Rockwatchers were out in force at Thorndon Country Park this May for an exciting Pebble Trail Adventure – and what a fantastic day it was!
Building on the pebble skills many members gained at our recent Harrow Weald Common event, this field trip gave everyone the chance to test their knowledge in the wild, guided once again by our brilliant geological experts Ian and Ros Mercer.
Armed with curiosity (and a few hand lenses!), members followed the Pebble Trail through the park’s scenic woodlands, spotting and identifying all sorts of remarkable stones — from flint and red flint, to the unusually named pot-lid pebbles and beautifully smooth flat pebbles. Each stone had a story to tell, offering clues about the powerful forces that shaped our planet millions of years ago.
The trail led us to one of the day’s highlights: the awe-inspiring Ice Age Pebble Wall, an ancient geological feature formed around 80 million years ago. Here, members took a closer look at the wall’s construction, using their new knowledge to work out the origins of the different pebbles embedded within it.
Between identifying pebbles and learning about Earth’s ancient history, there was plenty of time for exploring, asking questions, and relaxing with a picnic in the fresh air. It was a perfect combination of hands-on science, outdoor fun, and family-friendly adventure.
A huge thank you to Ian and Ros for sharing their time and knowledge, and to all the Rockwatchers who joined us. You made the day full of energy and enthusiasm!
Missed this one? Don’t worry — more Rockwatch adventures are coming soon!
