Welcome To The Geopark

There are 119 Geoparks in the world and Torbay is one of them. As the area celebrates 10 years as a site of special geological heritage, CHRISSY HARRIS finds out more about this unique part of Devon.

- Chrissy Harris

HAVING lived in the English Riviera for a couple of years now, I’m used to all the talk of Fawlty Towers, coach loads of pensioners, faded glory and all that.

But an internationally recognised place of outstanding geological heritage that uses its natural environment to make a difference socially and economically? That you don’t hear about as much.

And yet, it’s true: Torbay is one of only seven places in the UK and 119 sites across the world able to class itself as a UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation) Global Geopark.

It means this part of South Devon, with its striking red cliffs and rich history, is massively important on a geological scale.

Since it was awarded its prestigious Geopark status in 2007, Torbay has been attracting visitors from all over the world who want to come and explore the area’s coastline and places such as the prehistoric Kents Cavern, Berry Head nature reserve and Torre Abbey.

In September, more than 700 delegates from 63 countries arrived at Torquay’s Riviera International Centre for the UNESCO Geoparks Conference.