In mid-April, many of the members of the Geology group took themselves to the Isle of Wight for a field trip.

The Isle of Wight demonstrates a complete sequence of Cretaceous layers and an almost complete sequence of post-Cretaceous Eocene layers – and it’s not difficult to see them, as many of the layers are vertical (the effects of folding during the Alpine mountain-building phase) and can be observed in cliffs from various beaches.

Group leader Colin Boynton organised the trip, and ensured we had expert help – from staff of the Dinosaur Isle Museum and from Wight Coast Fossils. Our guides helped us to identify the various layers in the sequence – and showed us interesting details like fossilised wood, pyritised fossils, and lots of casts of dinosaur footprints!

We were lucky with the weather – sunshine and blue skies, although a biting northerly wind kept us moving! Members also took the opportunity to explore further afield on the island – places such as Yarmouth, Alum bay and the Needles - and we all enjoyed a jolly evening meal together in Sandown.

Many thanks to everyone who helped to make this a most successful visit.

Carol Pearce