The Geologist’s Association runs ‘Rockwatch’ as a nationwide club for youngsters who are interested in geology, and on 16th May they came from far and wide to Whitman’s Hill Quarry. Initial arrangements were made by Mark Baggott, Mark O’Dell and Andrew Gaster, and the site had recently benefited from some major clearance using a digger. The rock piles had been turned to bring more fossils to the surface, and all was ready for the event when news arrived that the peregrines were back in residence! They were previously thought to have shunned the quarry this year, but there was no doubt – they were definitely nesting.

Whitman’s Hill Champion Ray Bishop is also the authorised BTO (British Trust for Ornithology) peregrine monitor, and nesting peregrines must not be disturbed. After a flurry of correspondence it was decided to go ahead with the ‘Rockwatch’ event under Ray’s watchful eye, with some restricted access, and with instructions to keep noise levels as low as possible.

The participants came from all over the country; Stroud, Basingstoke, Northampton, London and Norfolk. One couple and their son, now residing in London, were from Russia, and the father, a commercial geologist, had just come home from Kyrgyzstan, and headed almost straight to Storridge!

The party then processed to the quarry in beautiful sunshine. Ray gave the group a short insight into peregrine lifestyle and protected bird precautions, for which we are very grateful. This expanded an already fascinating day for everyone. He was happy with the level of activity of the visitors, and gave his blessing for a return trip later in the day.

At lunch time the party returned to the hall, by which time Margaret and Andrew had got the displays set up, and the two Marks had produced a selection of fossils available for donation.
 
Andrew’s specimens and his model of the area got quite a lot of interest at lunchtime, and the fossil specimen sales brought in over £20 in donations. The displays were well received, especially by the Russian geologist who congratulated us all on what we do to promote geology.
 
The youngsters left with a healthy haul of fossil finds from the quarry, and the peregrines were apparently unperturbed by the event – chicks were spotted on the nest soon afterwards. All in all, it was a very successful day.
 
Photos by Andrew Gaster, with thanks.