International Geodiversity Day is a worldwide celebration that brings people together on October 6 each year to promote the many aspects of geodiversity. International Geodiversity Day was proclaimed by UNESCO at the 41st General Conference in 2021.
As part of Geodiversity Day, I’ll be leading a walk around the geodiversity of Kilvey Hill. We will examine the geological structure of the hill and its origins, as the rocks were laid down over 300 million years ago. Geodiversity is all around us. It is all the parts of nature that aren't alive, including everything from minerals and fossils to soils and spectacular landscapes.
On Kilvey, we will look at the role of sandstone and coal in the history of Swansea. Kilvey was one of the important areas where geological pioneer William Logan taught himself geology in the 1830s, and pioneered our understanding of the South Wales coalfields. We will also see surviving glacial features from the last Ice Age and observe how the Industrial Revolution altered the landscape on the hill.
Geodiversity impacts many areas of society as the use and understanding of geodiversity is essential to the implementation of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.
Visiting some of the geological features of Kilvey is a little more challenging than my usual walks, as we’ll be on some steep and rocky paths; using a walking pole is recommended. Walking boots or stout footwear are essential, as well as appropriate clothing for the conditions. This walk is not suitable for anyone with mobility constraints.
Walk Leader Nigel Robins has written several books on the history of Kilvey Hill and regularly leads historical and ecological walks over Kilvey. He is currently researching the early history of the geological explorers of the South Wales coalfield in the 1830s.