It's a green card from the Global Geoparks Network

Cllr George Farlow(Chairman) and Dr Laura Hamlet (Information Officer) of NW Highlands Geopark attended a meeting of the Global Geoparks Network (GGN) at Rokua in Finland this week and whilst there received the news that the Geopark has been awarded a “Green card” ensuring membership of the prestigious UNESCO recognised organisation for another four years.

Last month the current team of directors and staff who run the Geopark welcomed a small team of inspectors from the GGN. The inspectors had to assess how the Geopark was performing against key metrics including promotion of geo-tourism, community activities, education and conservation. Critically important too was a viable business model ensuring financial stability going forward.

Dr Laura Hamlet said: ” The news we received in Finland is a fantastic reward for all the hard work our Geopark community has put in over the past two years. We couldn't have done it without the support of the local communities and our friends, followers and supporters further afield.”

Come and join us at the Lochinver Climbing Festival to celebrate...

The NW Highlands Geopark presents the UK's first dedicated climbing festival:

Workshops

Introduction to outdoor climbing – for anyone who is either just beginning climbing or has climbed indoors and wants to try real rock

Introduction to multi-pitch climbing – for those who are confident outdoor climbing and want to learn how to ‘pitch’ longer mountain routes

Introduction to outdoor leading – a workshop on traditional climbing, learn how to place gear and set up belays and anchors
Multi-pitch master class – become really slick with your rope work and change overs and get some top tips on route finding and planning

Sea stack ‘how to’ – everything you need to know about sea-stack climbing. How to get onto the stack, tidal planning, retreat, anchors, abseiling and trouble shooting

Scrambling skills – stay safe on technical ground, learn some rope work and techniques for graded ground Get your technical tickets here

Talks, walks and more ..

Geology for climbers, Katie Farrell, University of Leeds

Scottish Ladies Climbing Club, Helen Stevens

Ranger walk to Suilven via Glen Canisp and kids’ walk to Suilag bothy
Yoga
Ceilidh and story-telling, band, raffle and bring your own bottle.
Slack-lining competition
Treasure hunt Get your fun tickets here

Cannot make it but want to support us anyway?

Get your t-shirt here

Still got a question? Contact Laura : laura@nwhgeopark.com

Find our how our amazing landscape was made ...

GEO-TOUR: 16th – 23rd September 2015

Expert tuition by Geopark staff will help you to interpret the geology of this wild and remote highland landscape. As home of the oldest rocks in Europe, the first identified thrust fault and with evidence of the earliest life; the North West Highlands Geopark really is the “Cradle of Geology”. Download our leaflet for the full itinerary.

Just £235 per person including transport, day tickets are also available for £39/day (£29/day for Geopark Members). Fee includes tuition, insurance, transportation and materials.Accommodation is not included, however contact us should you like us to arrange this for you.

Book on-line or contact Pete Harrison on 01854 612568 or email pete@nwhgeopark.com

Join us at The Rock Stop to celebrate our Green Card!

Grab a coffee, learn how mountains are made and get to grips with the rocks under your feet

11:00am - 4:30pm, 7 days a week
Hot and cold drinks, delicious home bakes and croft made soup

In collaboration with the British Geological Society in Edinburgh we have produced a new video for the Rock Stop. Fly through our amazing landscape and catch a glimpse of the building blocks of Scotland...

2015 Events Calendar

Geo-rambles, short-medium length walks.
Geo-hikes, full day hill walks.
Geo-climbs, suitable for all.
Geo-tours, suitable for all.
Roadshow events, suitable for all.

September
Wednesday 9th	Geo-tour
1 day bus trip around the Geopark visiting Scourie with a chance to choose your favourite pebble from the beach, Kinlochbervie, the stunning white sandy beach and fascinating colourful rocks at Oldshoremore and the new Geocentre at Unapool. Opportunities to buy lunch available or bring a picnic. Booking essential, pick-ups to be arranged on booking. Cost : Adult £30 Child £20 Family £80 Contact: Pete Harrison 01854 612568 pete@nwhgeopark.com
Friday 18th – Sunday 20th	Lochinver Climbing Festival
A Climbing Festival in the North West Highlands Geopark at Glencanisp Lodge, Lochinver. Come and join in the autumnal festival atmosphere. The weather is often pretty good at this time of year and if not we have plenty of in-door workshops planned. Why not sign up for ‘Geology for Climbers’ and find out why that particular crag is so grippy? There will be climbing technique, navigation and physio workshops as well as a program of talks on climbing and exploration. On Saturday night we will have a Ceilidh and a Hog Roast so bring your kilt or your dancing feet! Keep an eye on Facebook for the full program as it is developed. Weekend tickets £150, camping £10 per night (limited spaces).
Wednesday 16th- Wednesday 23rd	Geo-tour
A week-long course for those with an interest in Geology. A chance to visit some of the key geo-sites in the North West Highlands Geopark, taking in Assynt, Achiltibuie, Scourie and Durness. Tickets cost £235 for the week which includes transport. Accommodation can be arranged with a wide range available in the Geopark. Early bird discount of 10% applies to bookings made before July 31st 2015. Contact: Pete Harrison 01854 612568 pete@nwhgeopark.com

For booking or more information go to : http://www.nwhgeopark.com/events/

October
Wednesday 7th	Geo-tour
1 day bus trip around the Geopark visiting Knockan crag, Ardvrek castle, Lochinver and the new Geocentre at Unapool. Opportunities to buy lunch available or bring a picnic. Booking essential, pick-ups to be arranged on booking. Cost : Adult £30 Child £20 Family £80 Contact: Pete Harrison 01854 612568 pete@nwhgeopark.com
Saturday 10th - Thursday 15th	Earth Science Week
Join the Geopark geo-ranger at various locations throughout the Geopark including Ullapool, Achiltibuie, Lochinver, Kinlochbervie and Durness. There will be talks and a chance to vote for the winning poster competition entry. The posters have all been designed by primary school children from the Geopark and the winner will appear on buses in Inverness to teach people about our landscape and culture. For details of events check out our web site, social media, call us or drop in to the RockStop at Unapool.
Wednesday 14th	Geo-ramble
Join a NWH Geopark Geo-ranger to explore Knockan Crag, a site just off the main road bursting with interesting geology and amazing wildlife. A well-constructed path takes a short and steep climb to amazing views across to Stac Pollaidh and beyond. Meet at Knockan Crag NNR car park, 2.5 miles south of Elphin at 11am. Cost: Adults £4, children £3, family £11. Grid ref: NC188090. Nearest postcode: IV27 4HH
Friday 16th	Geo-ramble
A short walk around Loch Eriboll to visit a prehistoric landscape and some of the rocky outcrops which inspired mountain building theory. Booking essential. Meeting place given out at time of booking. Cost: Adults £8, Children £4, family £20.
Wednesday 21st	Geo-tour
1 day bus trip around the Geopark visiting Sango bay in Durness, Ceannabeinne clearance village, the rock stops in the North of the Geopark and the new Geocentre at Unapool. Opportunities to buy lunch available or bring a picnic. Booking essential, pick-ups to be arranged on booking. Cost : Adult £30 Child £20 Family £80 Contact: Pete Harrison 01854 612568 pete@nwhgeopark.com

For booking or more information go to : http://www.nwhgeopark.com/events/

North West Highlands Geopark Limited is a social enterprise which re-invests profits to ensure ongoing development of geo-tourism projects, conservation and educational programmes. Our funding comes from government grants, private sector sponsorship, income from tours and donations, click here to donate online.

We have made tremendous progress with refurbishment and fit-out of The Rock Stop at Unapool. We are still seeking sponsors for the exhibition so if you or your company would like to support us contact Mike on 01971 521301 or mike@nwhgeopark.com.