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
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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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