Protecting Pebbles: Quaternary Sites of Special Scientific Interest
October 21 @ 19:00 - 20:30
A relict sand dune now perched on a seastack, conserved at Gwithan to Mexico Towans SSSI, Cornwall. (photo Ben Tindal)
Protecting Pebbles: Quaternary Sites of Special Scientific Interest
Dr Ben Tindal, Senior Specialist – Quaternary Geology, Natural England
Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) protect the most scientifically valuable areas of Britain for their flora, fauna, geology or geomorphology. Quaternary SSSIs span all four categories, with their records of past species and environments commonly grading upwards into rare living habitats. Some Quaternary SSSIs protect entire landscapes, and some are just puzzling piles of pebbles. In this talk, Ben discusses the overlap between the Quaternary record and both geo- and bio-conservation, with a focus on unusual combinations, under-recorded species, and geologically puzzling sites.
Exchange Lecture Theatre, The Exchange, Penryn Campus, TR10 9FE, with refreshments afterwards in the Camborne School of Mines Museum.
The Exchange is building 12 on the Penryn Campus map. Car park C is the closest. Come onto Penryn Campus (there is only one vehicle entrance). Turn right at the mini roundabout, and follow the road through the barrier. Then look for the entrance to Car Park C on the right. Parking is free in the evening so the barrier will rise when you leave.