Discover more about local geology

BELSHAWS Quarry will be the focus of attention by Whitemountain and District Community Association residents this Saturday in a kick off ‘event’ in the area at the start of what will hopefully be a decent summer.

Ian Enlander, from the Geology section at Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA), will conduct a tour of the unique site entitled ‘Black and white - Antrim’s geology in miniature’.

The tour will kick off a 2pm and since it will involve some up and close inspections of some of the key pieces of geology at the site visitors are advised to register with Ian on 90569647 and wear appropriate clothes and footware.

Chairperson of the association, John Belshaw, commented: “Belshaws Quarry is classed as a National Nature Reserve and is the only such site within the whole Belfast Basalt Escarpment.

“Visitors will be very welcome at Ian’s tour on Saturday and our association will be on hand with a cup of tea or coffee afterwards. Anyone with an interest in some ‘history’ of the earth might be in for a surprise at some hidden gems that are in this site and with recently improved access steps it is more accessible than ever. Ian has a particular knowledge of this site and after missing out on his last tour I’m looking forward to finding out about some of the features of the whole area that are visible at Belshaws Quarry and that have led to the name Whitemountain.

“It would be a big bonus if some of the visitors worked in the quarry as I’m sure they may not realises some of the secrets they revealed in their day to day activities, some of which I remember seeing many years back in the Ulster Museum.

“The site got a particular mention by residents replying to our first ever survey. Last weekend we have concluded that survey and put a summary of it on our web site www.whitemountain.org.uk where we also hope to feature this Saturday’s special tour of Belshaws Quarry.”

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