English Riviera Geopark Festival

2007 saw The English Riviera get the much acclaimed and internationally recognised status of Geopark, and this year’s Geopark Festival takes place in May.

Torbay is one of only 57 places around the world to have this award, and the only urban Geopoark, which recognises the fact that the area has a rich diversity of landscape, wildlife, people and culture.

For those of you who study at LAL Torbay and also go on the school excursions, it is impossible not to notice the spectacular coastline, rolling hillsides and numerous beaches and secluded coves. All of these factors are what has made Torbay one of the most popular tourist destinations in the UK.

There are 12 nationally important Sites of Special Scientific Interests (SSSI)in the Geopark and the waters of Tor Bay have been designated a Sensitive Marine Area; 77% of the coastline is designated as SSSI or Country Wildlife Site. There are 10 nationally rare plant species in the Geopark and 28 nationally scarce species.

The second English Riviera Geopark Festival will take place between 22nd May and 6th June. It has been designed to allow locals and visitors alike to take part in walks, art exhibitions, an archaeological dig and a special exhibition by Exeter’s Royal Albert Museum at Kent’s Cavern in Torquay.

For full details see the poster on the Excursions notice board or online at www.englishriviera.co.uk.LAL | UK visa requirements for students