Titled: Northumberland Rocks, the book tells the amazing story of Northumberland’s geological history from 425 million years ago right up to today and explains how and why its rocks are the reason for the region’s outstanding scenery and landscape.
Now that covid restrictions have been totally lifted, its’s time to launch the book officially on Sunday 24 April at The Sill, National Landscape Discovery Centre, Bardon Mill.
There will be two sessions starting at 1:00pm and 3:00pm where members of the public will be able to hear about the 50 extraordinary rocky places featured in the book and the story of the evolution of the region’s landscape through time. There will also be an opportunity to meet author Ian Jackson and have a copy of the book signed. Entry is free!
Published at the end of 2021 by Northern Heritage, the book was designed and written by Northumberland Wildlife Trust trustee and geologist Ian Jackson and endorsed by BBC TV presenter Iain Stewart and international best-selling author Simon Winchester
The 114-pages open a window into the Northumberland beneath everybody’s feet and reveal the origins of its landscape and its habitats. They encourage people to look at their landscape with fresh eyes and inspire them to go explore the region.
Already a best seller in local bookshops, it has received brilliant feedback from people who have praised the photographs and the fact it makes geology and the history of the region’s rocks so understandable. Others are using it as a guide for walks and, with warm weather on the horizon, its popularity is bound to increase.
Ian said: “This book is a personal selection of 50 places where rocks make a special statement about Northumberland’s landscape, history, culture and wildlife. It makes the story of the Northumbrian landscape relevant and more accessible to everyone. I wrote it to share the amazing stories our rocks can tell to anybody who is curious about their landscape and I am delighted with its success so far.”
Chris Hartnell, Director of Northern Heritage said: “We were delighted when we saw Ian's first draft of Northumberland Rocks. We were aware of the considerable interest in local geology, but until now, the books were mostly academic and not as interesting and easy-to-read as his. As a co-producer of the book, we've been amazed by its success and the interest in it, not just locally, but across the globe.”
Allison Cuthbertson, Retail and Front of House Manager at The Sill: National Landscape Discovery Centre, said: “We’re delighted to be hosting the launch of Ian Jackson’s latest book at The Sill. The Sill was built to mimic the shapes and geology of The Great Whin Sill, so it’s the perfect place to discover more about the geology of the local area.
“Visitors who attend the launch will also have the opportunity to meet with the author and The Sill’s Welcome Team will be on hand with information about where to go to explore the wonderful geology within Northumberland National Park. There are many walking routes nearby too which our Welcome Team will be happy to advise on.”
Priced at £10.00, the book, published by Northern Heritage is available from Northumberland Wildlife Trust’s online shop www.nwt.org.uk/shop and www.northern-heritage.co.uk and a number of stockists around the region.
