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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