The Geology of Kent

Discover the geological story of Kent in this illustrated study day at Tyland Barn. Through a series of expert-led presentations you will trace the county's rocks from the oldest beds to the youngest sediments, learning how the underlying geology shapes the landscape seen today. The morning session introduces the geological structures and sedimentary sequences that determine local landforms, and considers the distribution of Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, nature reserves, Ramsar sites, country parks and Sites of Special Scientific Interest.

The course reviews the Late Jurassic beds found near the county border and moves forward in time to the Early Cretaceous Wealden beds, exploring the rock types of the High Weald and the Low Weald and the fossils they contain. After a midday break the day continues with studies of the Lower Greensand, Gault Clay and Chalk, with attention to differing marine environments and how these deposits influence the Kentish landscape. The programme concludes with a look at the unconformity within the Chalk succession and an overview of younger, more localised sediments including the Lenham Beds, Sarsen Stones, periglacial deposits, river deposits and coastal sediments.

This course is aimed at beginners and is designed to give attendees a clear understanding of the depositional environments of London Clay, Chalk, Lower Greensand and the Wealden beds. Participants will gain practical confidence using a hand lens to examine rocks. Please note that only adults aged 18 and over may attend. For further information, see the Study Days page of the Kent Wildlife Trust website.