I read an interview many years ago with the palaeontologist Richard Fortey, in which he perfectly summarised the sibylline link between geology, natural history and human history. “Far from being the driest of sciences,” Fortey said, “geology informs almost everything on our planet and is rich with human entanglements. The rocks beneath us are like an unconscious mind beneath the face of the earth, determining its shifts in mood and physiognomy.”
The natural and unnatural history of our wonderful but beleaguered Atlantic salmon has been greatly determined by geology and the forces of the Earth’s evolution, suggesting one hopeful thought – that somehow the salmon will survive – and one terrible thought – that even so we may yet lose them from the British Isles.
Knowing exactly why the salmon is in such decline remains a Holy Grail of fisheries science, and the driving force behind much urgent research. But the shaping influence of that deeper geological history is not only fascinating, it may offer useful insights into how we hold on to what we’ve got.
William Smith drew the first and still the most beautiful geological map of Britain. In marbled swirls of pink and purple he mapped the bands of igneous and metamorphic rocks which stretch all across the south-west and up through Wales, north-west England and into Scotland, while in shades of blue, yellow and green he mapped the progressively younger and softer sedimentary rocks which cover southern and eastern England. There’s a discernible change from one spectrum to the next and this division, which marks the transition from Triassic to Jurassic also marks an approximate change in topography between a more generally upland and a lowland Britain.
Denne historien er fra April 2020-utgaven av The Field.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra April 2020-utgaven av The Field.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Strength in Numbers -The success of Britain's growing band of Farmer Clusters shows the value in working together and engaging with the public in the name of conservation, says Gabriel Stone
In a world that leans into gloomy headlines, it's important to wave the flag for a refreshing success story. That's especially the case when it comes to our overburdened farming sector and the wider way in which we manage the landscape. Yes, we: everyone can play a role, not least through one inspirational initiative. Ever since a 2013 pilot project by the GWCT in association with Natural England, Farmer Clusters have mushroomed across Britain. Led by farmers with guidance from expert advisers, today's network of about 125 clusters encourages a cohesively managed, locally tailored, larger-scale approach to conservation work.
Going over old ground
Forget modern tractors and minimum tillage - there is something glorious about the sight of farmer, horse and vintage plough in perfect harmony
Return of the natives
There is nothing as satisfying as creating a magical miniature woodland or conservation hedgerow using our native trees - and now is the best time to start.
Tagging the Cornish tunny
Enormous Atlantic bluefin tuna are once again making waves in UK waters almost a century after their showstopping appearance in the North Sea
In it for the long haul
It may have fallen out of favour at the elite level but long-format three-day eventing is still proving popular with grassroots riders
Unpicking the story of hunt buttons
These treasured tokens are bestowed only upon those who go above and beyond in service of their hunt but the rules around them can be complex
A place of tradition in the heart of town
Cordings has helped shape the sartorial landscape of Britain for 185 years, with its classic country tailoring a firm staple of many sporting wardrobes
Don't play it by ear
Hearing loss can have a devastating impact on day-to-day life, making ear protection a non-negotiable piece of field kit
Back to base-ics
Britain's famously unpredictable climate can make staying comfortable in the field a challenge but the right under layers can be a game changer
Stand and deliver
A good stance provides the platform for shotgun marksmanship and is fundamental to consistent success in the field or breaking clays