IGA Lecture on May 12th 2021 at 7pm – “Geoheritage and Geological Outreach: Waterford Harbour as a Local Template” by Dr. William “Bill” Sheppard (CEO of Trails Creative)

IGA Lecture on May 12th 2021 at 7pm

Geoheritage and Geological Outreach:
Waterford Harbour as a Local Template

by Dr. William “Bill” Sheppard (CEO of Trails Creative)

We are delighted to announce our next lecture by fellow committee member, Dr. Bill Sheppard, on “Geoheritage and Geological Outreach: Waterford Harbour as a Local Template”.
 

Abstract: There has been a significant growth in European geotourism and geoheritage, and Ireland holds huge potential for this sector. From this perspective, this talk will review Waterford Harbour’s bedrock and glacial geology, the region’s post-glacial landscape development, and how geology has influenced the area’s human history. There are many geological resources that could be harnessed for geological outreach and geotourism, not least the geoheritage and outreach potential of Ireland’s National Monuments Service construction stone studies. In addition, the concept of Astronomical Geological timelines (AGeoT©) will be introduced. This presentation will, hopefully, motivate other local geology experts to consider promoting and developing geological outreach and geotourism activities in their own localities.

Dr. Bill Sheppard

Biography: Bill Sheppard completed a Ph.D. at Trinity College Dublin on the Avoca Mine (County Wicklow) in 1981. His global career in exploration and mining geology extended to over 30 countries. He undertook reporting to Stock Exchange Standards, mineral deposit studies and mentoring for many international geological teams. He had a major role in the discovery of gold systems at Cavanacaw (County Tyrone), and in North Wexford. Bill is completing his fourth year as a member of the Board of the Institute of Geologists of Ireland, focusing on geological outreach and on continuing professional development, and is the local geologist on the Creadan Head Archaeological Steering Group (County Waterford).

Operating as Trails Creative, Bill now focuses on geological outreach, trail planning and promoting biodiversity awareness in local communities. He has run Heritage Week events on bedrock, glacial geology, National Monument building stone, and goats. His geological chapter in the Barony of Gaultier Historical Society’s forthcoming publication on the heritage of East Waterford is ready for publication. Looking ahead, in addition to geo-archaeology, Bill aims to increase community awareness of geology and geological heritage and, building on the Copper Coast Geopark success, to increase the profile of Southeast Ireland as a geological tourist destination.

Date and Time: Wednesday, 12th May 2021, between 19:00 and 20:00 via Zoom.
To Register: All welcome! Please send an e-mail to irishgeologicalassociation@gmail.com BEFORE the 12th May 2021 at 1pm.

A Zoom link will be sent on the day to those who have registered.

(Photo Credit: www.waterfordnow.ie)