Skip to content

Planetrees – Examining Wall Stone

16 July 2021

Please read all of the below information including the COVID information before registering for this event.

The curtain wall at Planetrees near to Heavenfield, provides an opportunity to examine a section of the curtain wall which is a short distance both from Chollerton Church and from Chesters Fort where we are running SSD events on the 8th and 15th July respectively. This will allow for an immediate comparison of the stone used in the curtain wall and the fort which will help diagnose stone reuse in the Church. This section of Wall contains a change from the earlier larger width Wall to the later, narrower Wall. It is also near to Heavenfield as well as several possible quarry locations (at Written Crag for example) which we hope to explore further, later in the project.

Geologically the Wall here lies on top of rocks within the Stainmore Formation in the Carboniferous Period in an area which is rich in sandstones. Nearby these sandstones have been heavily eroded by ice, leaving flat exposures of the sandstone with lines scoured into them by the ice. This section of the wall is also near to significant outcrops of limestone which have been extensively quarried, and a feeder dyke for the Whin Sill.

Click here to register for this event.

COVID information: COVID-19 is a serious illness which is readily transmitted between people. To minimise the risk of passing on this disease during geo-walks, a process has been put in place. Whilst this gives a structure to manage the risk of transmission, for it to succeed there is a need for us to take individual responsibility to make this work. This is nothing new and I imagine you will already be doing this when you go out for shopping and other activities where you will be meeting people outside your own household. The three things that I would like us to do are:

  • to be aware,
  • to be considerate, and:
  • to communicate.

To be aware of others around you so that you can negotiate how to remain distant from them

To be considerate. This is a difficult time, and we know that some people are more vulnerable than others. This includes the way that we feel about the situation and it is important to be aware of and respect others’ feelings and needs as we proceed.

To communicate. Humans are good at working out where we are physically in relation to others, however, to get the distancing sorted, using your awareness and consideration to communicate and negotiate your way around the walk is vital. Smiling, “you-go-firsts” and “I’ll leave the gate for you” amongst other considerations will oil the wheels of how this works, as well as making the day out more enjoyable.

Participants will be asked to perform a self-assessment of their health on the day of the walk. If they feel generally unwell and especially if they find that they have any of the currently recognised symptoms of COVID19, they will be asked to self-exclude from the walk and to let the leader know that they will not be attending.

The currently recognised symptoms of COVID19 illness can be found here:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-51048366

If participants find that they develop symptoms within 10 days after the walk please can you get in touch directly so that we can work as required with the government Track and Trace process.

Volunteer information:

  • No previous experience required just come along and have a great morning examining Wall stone!
  • Please bring your own hand gel and mask if you wish to wear one.
  • Please bring appropriate clothing and wear appropriate sturdy footwear. You will need waterproofs if it is raining.
  • Volunteers will need to arrange their own transport.
  • Please bring your own water and picnic lunch.