Situated in the heart of the East Midlands, Charnwood Forest is a site of immense scientific and cultural significance, making this partnership a natural fit for innovation and discovery.
Unveiling the wonders of Charnwood Forest
Charnwood Forest is renowned for its remarkable geological and cultural heritage. The region is home to some of the world’s oldest animal fossils, along with rocks spanning six different geological periods. These features offer researchers unparalleled opportunities to study the Earth’s ancient history. Beyond its geological importance, the Geopark is a cultural treasure trove, with conservation initiatives, school outreach programmes, arts activities, and heritage infrastructure designed to inspire and educate the public.
The Geopark’s aspirations are equally impressive. In the coming years, we are aiming to compile an application to UNESCO to attain Global Geopark status—a designation that would place Charnwood Forest among the most celebrated sites in the world. The area already boasts iconic locations such as Bradgate Park and Beacon Hill, alongside hidden gems like Morley Quarry and Hill Hole Nature Reserve, all of which are ripe for research and wider public engagement.
Current collaborative projects
The partnership between Loughborough University and the Geopark is already bearing fruit. LU Arts, represented by Drs Helen Glanville and Guy Tallentire, is actively involved in arts-based initiatives that bridge the gap between geoscience and creative expression including creating a trail and StoryMap linking the town, University and Geopark. Additionally, the Geopark has recently supported field trips led by the British Society for Geomorphology (BSG) and the British Sedimentological Research Group (BSRG), further enriching the experiences of delegates and students and fostering hands-on learning opportunities.
Through the partnership we are aiming to deepen the collaboration between the Geopark and the University. Potential areas of partnership include supporting grant applications, co-supervising research students, volunteering programmes, student engagements, and hosting a diverse range of projects across the Forest. With interests spanning environmental science, heritage studies, and community engagement, the scope for joint work is extensive and exciting.
A vision for the future
As this partnership grows, the opportunities for research, education, and public engagement are boundless. Researchers, staff, and students across Loughborough University are encouraged to explore how their work can intersect with the Geopark’s goals. Whether it’s uncovering the secrets of ancient fossils, contributing to conservation efforts, or creating innovative public programmes, this partnership is a call to action for interdisciplinary collaboration across the University.
Pictured from (L-R): Dr Jack Matthews, Charnwood Forest Regional Park Board Chair, Cllr Martin Cartwright, Dr Jo Jennings, Visiting member of Loughborough University, and Professor Dan Parsons, Loughborough University's Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research and Innovation
Get involved
Would you like to learn more about this partnership and how you can contribute? A University-wide presentation is being planned to provide more details and outline the potential for involvement. Stay tuned for announcements about this event, where we’ll share insights into the Geopark’s priorities and projects.
If you’re interested in exploring how your research can connect with the Charnwood Forest Geopark, please reach out to charnwoodgeo@mailbox.lboro.ac.uk. Please also reach out if you currently work within the Geopark, as this will strengthen their application to UNESCO. Together, we can leverage the power of collaboration to unlock the full potential of this extraordinary landscape.