Ardnamurchan Study Centre
NEW for 2011 (this course is not now available for the 2010 season)
THE GEOLOGY, BOTANY & MARINE BIOLOGY OF ARDNAMURCHAN
All of this course is on the flat coastal areas and should be easily attainable for anyone who does not have significant mobility problems. There is so much to see and do, the pace will be very sedate as we constantly stop to observe
7 DAYS
May & June 2007
Course Director; Martin Summers
Day one
The introductory walks starting from the study centre will set the multi – disciplinary theme for the course. We will look at how everything interrelates. The shore is of Jurassic heavily fossiliferous strata intruded by volcanics of many kinds. The boulder shore reveals pristine marine biology. Several different orchid species are present as well as notables such as globe flower. All of this course is on the flat coastal areas
Day two
A captivating and remote shore walk taking in the varied habitats beneath the towering ancient volcano of Ben Hiant, 528m. We look at river gorges, ancient oak woodlands, boulder / scree slopes and the ever changing inter - tidal zone below a raised beach. The woodland is wonderful – ravens reside on a high cliff face above scree slopes and trees shaped by the sea. Wood vetch flowers in profusion on the scree - shore and wet flushes occur with orchids. The Lapland Marsh Orchid grows in Ardnamurchan – only identified as a distinct species late last century. Eagles and otters are likely to be seen in this little visited area that has shown itself to present a “ Volcanic Riddle” As well as volcanics, Triassic “flashflood” desert rocks are seen here – some superb sun – cracks are visible when uncovered by the sea. Jurassic limestones and ancient Moinian rocks occur showing crossbedding.
Day three
We visit the Triassic / Moinian unconformity at Ockle below the impressive Sill which forms the point. The ever changing contacts between the Jurassic limestones and igneous rocks are well exposed here along the shore. Fossils are evident plus large crystals and columnar jointing. There are abundant Early Purple Orchids and the striking cliffs have spreads of yellow Roseroot towering overhead. Folding in Moinian rocks is crossed by volcanics on the eastern shore at Ockle. Good marine biology and excellent botany. Fascadale beach is easily visited with nearby parking and has excellent volcanic agglomerates, often greenish. Kilmory also has excellent volcanics, including “rafted” Jurassic limestones
Day four
– Rubh‘ a‘ Mhile, Mingary Castle – 2 miles, rocky shore, flat. An easy ramble to see the Triassic / Moinian unconformity on this low lying peninsula. This location is excellent for discovering the many different age relationships between the volcanics / sediments – and has surprises ! Sun cracks. Varied flora, including unusual rose / horsetail, plus some good pools to view marine life. Otters often here. “Night Shift”event. Bats, moths – and nightjars, which are commonly heard here. Their whirring sound is unique. The area behind the centre has superb woodland habitat in a deep ravine for locating the moth trap – weather permitting this will be set regularly during the week.
Day five
Camas – nan - Geall / Ben Hiant A shoreline walk to explore beneath the volcano, seeing lava flows and pyroclastics ( ash, bombs, agglomerates ) - evidence of this once explosive peak. Standing amongst the huge agglomerate blocks it is easy to imagine what the eruptions would have been like. It is possible to find agates in the flows. Superb folding in the sediments of a previously shallow sea are a shoreline attraction.
Day six
Group choice day –
We decide as a group which area to focus on. There is a myriad of options : · Sanna Bay - Easy walking around sandy beaches, dunes, rocky promontories. Beachcombing / Botany. · Garbh – dhail – Enchanting remote woodland valleys – orchids plus rare butterfly colony discovered here by self. Hard climb to 1000 feet plus – care in choosing this option ! · Sron – beag shoreline – remote with excellent geology and marine life. Some of the pools are brackish with Sticklebacks – splash zones. One fossil ammonite death assemblage is superb. · Moorland / hill loch walk – Bladderwort, the least known of the insectivorous plants grows in the lochs. Sundews and Butterworts are better known and will be seen everywhere. · Glas – Eileen island. Lavas, limestones, rockpools – unusual orchid found here in past. Good for otters, tide walk. Little climbing, but rocky between grassy sections. · Other locations to revisit – we often run out of time in some locations !Accommodation and catering
This will be in local self catering cottages, two caravans or B & B according to preference. Typical Costs including accommodation and tuition and evening meal will be approximately £395 for two sharing a caravan or up to £485 - £550 B & B depending upon choice of accommodation. Pick up from the London - Fort William sleeper can be arranged at a small extra charge.
For further details contact Trevor@trevorpotts.com
Or
Martin Summers : martinsummers@berealston0.fsnet.co.uk - 01822- 841176
Martin lives in Devon and has successfully run a number of course like this one @ Slapton FSC. He works as a freelance environmental studies teacher for a number of schools and agencies in Devon and Cornwall. He has been a very keen biologist since he was a child even the his degree is in geology.
A teacher of 20 years experience he specialises in making courses practical, easy to follow and often humorous.
Update January 2010
The Study Centre Classroom re-opens for the 2010 season on 1st of May. During July and August there will be regular fossil walks on a Wednesday morning. Other walks by arrangement minumum charge for a family walk is £15 an hour 2 hours minimum.
Visiting Geologists
Enquiries are already coming in from visiting geologists who will find the classroom extremely useful when they are in the area for six weeks at a time conducting their mapping exercises.
Beekeeping
BEEKEEPING In conjunction with Lochaber College and Kilchoan campus there will be an opportunity to visit the beehives in May, June and July. The honey produced is totally organic and free from any pesticides. Please contact Trevor@ardnamuchanstudycentre.co.uk for more information
This location based resource will be a welcome addition to the west end of the Ardnamurchan Peninsular, where there is no dedicated facility for studying the natural history of the area.
Wildlife and Geology
Peters recent research in February 2003 has identified some fine examples of Pitchstone Dykes on the croft and on the hillside above the croft. Work is ongoing into their mineral content and the relationship between these dykes and the layered cone sheets.
Nautiliods and Sharks Teeth