Welcome to the website of the
Anglesey Geodiversity Project -
celebrating the island's
unique geological heritage.


Geotourism on Anglesey

Geotourism is nothing new. Many European countries, America, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, among others, have a long history of using geological and geomorphological phenomena to attract visitors - for example, the waterfalls and geysers of Yellowstone National Park. Neither is geotourism new in Britain or Wales. However, the potential of geosites in Wales for geotourism has not been realised. It is therefore a major aim of this project to improve the economic health of the island and its inhabitants by attracting more visitors to its outstanding geosites.

Huge potential visitor 'markets' exist in the densely populated areas of Cheshire, Shropshire, Lancashire, Liverpool and Greater Manchester. These areas furnish the Snowdonia National Park, on Anglesey's doorstep, with some of its 18 million visitors each year. The potential of international links, particularly the American market and the visitor stream from the port of Holyhead, should not be underestimated. It is also an aim to encourage local people to use, explore and learn from the geological heritage on their doorstep. Such development must have due regard to the conservation and protection of geosites and related features (e.g. archaeological monuments and wildlife sites), must be acceptable to landowners and must be sustainable. Such geotourism developments need to build on existing tourism initiatives and marketing and delivery structures wherever possible.

Marketing and publicity

Attempts to increase visitor numbers, maximise the use of available geosites and provide appropriate interpretative and educational materials, must be preceded by development of marketing/publicity and interpretation strategies. These will establish the different markets for geotourism (e.g. how many visitors; where from; what interpretative materials are needed). In parallel, they must consider the suitability of sites for visitor use (e.g. safety; access; impacts of visitors on sites & local services; suitability of geo-resources for interpretation; best interpretation methods etc. - see below) and the products required by potential audiences.

Site interpretation & trails

Site interpretation can take many forms. On-site boards are sometimes appropriate for explaining geological and related features. However, they can be visually obtrusive and not all geosites are suitable for interpretation by this method. A strategy will be developed for interpreting Anglesey's geosites and to determine priorities for on-site interpretation.

Describing sites and features in leaflets is another widely used technique. For example, the "Rhoscolyn - legends in the rocks" leaflet describes a series of interesting geological phenomena found on a coastal walk around the Rhoscolyn headland on Holy Island. Although the features are linked by a particular geological theme (spectacular folds in Precambrian rocks), to broaden its appeal the leaflet also includes details of local history, culture and wildlife found along the route. Discreetly located and numbered posts (waymarking) can be used when features described in a leaflet are not easy to find.

There is immense potential for similar leaflets to be developed for other areas of Anglesey, and the possibility of using 'audio guides' for some trails needs to be explored. The subject matter of leaflets and trails need not, however, be restricted to rural geosites. For example, the Welsh RIGS groups have successfully established the Walking through the past leaflet series which describes geological materials found in historically interesting buildings in a variety of Welsh towns and cities. Such leaflets have been produced for Bangor, Conwy and Caernarvon, and Anglesey's urban centres hold significant potential for attracting and engaging visitors.

Publications, the web & CD-ROMs

On-site interpretation, trails and leaflets will need to be complemented by a wide range of other interpretative products including books, booklets and posters and information disseminated through electronic media, most notably this website and CD-ROMs. Booklets will include sister guides to the successful RIGS group publications on the geology of the Rhoscolyn district and the soils of North Wales, and will initially cover the much-visited Llanddwyn/Newborough, South Stack/Breakwater Park, Cemaes Bay and Parys Mountain areas.

Events & workshops

An active programme of events and workshops is also required to raise awareness of Anglesey's geodiversity and to attract visitors. It will include guided field trips led by Gwynedd & Môn RIGS Group and other partner organisations (such as Trusts and Societies). An annual Anglesey 'Geology Week' is planned, and will comprise a series of lectures, guided field trips, workshops and events for children. This will be modelled on the highly successful Scottish & Welsh Geology Weeks. A programme to train guides for running field trips (including elements of Health & Safety & First Aid) will be initiated.


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