Strangford Lough and Lecale Partnership Celebrates Geo Week 2019

Strangford Lough and Lecale Partnership is gearing up to celebrate Geo Week 2019 on Saturday 11 May from 11am-3pm on Ballyhornan Beach.

The event is taking place in partnership with the Geological Survey of Northern Ireland (GSNI). It will focus attention on the area’s internationally important geological heritage and is part of the Mourne Gullion Strangford proposed UNESCO Global Geopark activity programme.

Geology is the foundation of our landscape. The melting ice of the last Ice Age revealed the Strangford and Lecale landscape of today. Gentle rolling drumlin hills and islands, sand and mud flats and a craggy outer coast with many sheltered bays and stretches of pebble and boulder shore, such as at Ballyhornan, characterise the Strangford Lough and Lecale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairman, Councillor Mark Murnin said, “The rich geology of the area is what makes it so special. The Strangford Lough and Lecale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is famed for its scenery and its landscapes, with part of the area forming part of the aspiring “Two Oceans” Geopark.

“Our landscapes and seascapes appear timeless, but they have changed over time, and these changes have left their stories in the rocks. Events such as this, being held during Geo Week 2019, highlight how special our geological heritage is, and helps us explore the stories hidden in our landscapes.

“I would invite everyone to come along to learn how to read the landscape of Ballyhornan. If you can read the rocks, you can read the landscape and the amazing story that it tells.”

Those attending the free event will be able to take part in geology themed workshops and learn all about how the geology has formed our unique landscape from Dr Kirstin Lemon of GSNI, with a ‘pebble masterclass’.

Children will also be able to participate in Land Art for Kids workshops where they will be shown how to use the Land Art technique of stone stacking and making natural sculptures and mosaics from the natural material found on the beach.

All workshops on the day will run on a ‘drop-in basis’. Just come along, join in the fun, feel inspired to care for and protect this special place. There will also be an opportunity to take part in a short beach clean on the day; all necessary equipment will be supplied.