The Abberley and Malvern Hills Geopark falls within the counties of Herefordshire, Gloucestershire, Shropshire and Worcestershire and covers 1250 square kilometres. The geological and geomorphological significance of the area has been recognised for many years with 13 Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and 179 Local Geological Sites (LGS) present.

A huge infrastructure already exists helping residents and visitors realise what a very special area they have in their Geopark. Rocks nearly 700 million years old are represented over the Geopark and a journey across the area will take you through 500 million years of Earth history.

Parts of Herefordshire, Gloucestershire, Shropshire and Worcestershire are represented, all linked by parts of the Earth’s crust that were once deep below the ground where molten rock was emplaced in times of violent earthquakes and where later in geological time vast tropical seas teaming with life existed. Later still hot deserts gave rise to the red sandstones we see over much of the area. Inspiring landscapes today are portrayed in the valleys of the Rivers Severn, Rea, Frome, Leadon and Teme. All of this will soon be displayed and experienced in a Geopark Visitor Centre and other heritage centres.

The outstanding Earth heritage of the Geopark places the area at the centre of international research and national conservation programmes. There is an established and growing education and tourism programme for those wanting to learn more about geology, which is based on geology and landscape trails and guides. Rock and Fossil Roadshows and field sessions are popular events with the general public and schools and a major programme is already underway.

The Partnership Management Team for your Geopark now sets out to work with parish councils and community groups, landowners, the local authorities, museums, universities, schools, heritage centres, visitors centres and country parks to bring geology to as many people as possible and to protect it for future generations to see.

Geopark Objectives

1. To conserve and enhance where appropriate, the geology, geomorphology and landscape of the Geopark.
2. To promote the responsible collecting of specimens.
3. To encourage visitors to the Geopark at levels which it can sustain.
4. To encourage safe use of the Geopark by educational groups of all ages, and to provide a high quality range of educational information and services about the Geopark.
5. To continue the already well-established gathering and dissemination of scientific information about the Geopark.
6. To ensure that the Geopark and all its attributes will be used responsibly.
7. To contribute where and when possible to the local economy and encourage involvement of the local community in Geopark activities.

Key Actions

1. Continue to work with agencies and landowners on practical Geoconservation.
2. Target geotourists to visit out of season and away from overused locations.
3. Work with operators to develop themed packages.
4. Develop promotional links with Gateway Towns and interpretation centres.
5. Continue to develop a sustainable product range and not to sell geological specimens.
6. Continue to work with and inform Parish councils and local community groups.
7. Enhance the robust information and communication strategy already in operation.
8. Continue to liaise with District and County Councils, Malvern Hills AONB and landowners.
9. Target schools and geological groups to visit the Geopark.
10. Continue to develop a quality geology and landscape trails programme.
11. Continue to develop all of the above actions within existing official plans, strategies and guidelines.