The Mourne Gullion Strangford Geopark has over 400 million years of geological history. It charts the closure of the Iapetus Ocean and the bringing together of the two parts of what we now know as the island of Ireland, its passage through tropical latitudes, the birth of the North Atlantic Ocean, and finally the shaping of landscape by ice during the last glaciation. All of this remarkable diversity within a relatively small area makes it an ideal outdoor classroom for all ages.
Education Pack for Primary Schools
Use this handy Education pack for some practical experiments to learn about geology around us. The pack contains a series of six activities, all of which have been designed to demonstrate how the rocks and landscapes in this region formed. It will allow teachers to explore some of the amazing rocks and landscapes from the comfort of their own classroom as well as providing suggestions of where to see some of the best examples in the Mourne Gullion Strangford Geopark. It is suitable for using at home or in the classroom. It is suitable for children over 9 and an adult will need to be present to set up and demonstrate the activity.
Geology, Culture & Natural Heritage
People have inhabited the Mourne Gullion Strangford Geopark since just after the end of the last Ice Age, their lives have been shaped by the unique landscape and its underlying geology. In the same way, they have shaped the land with agriculture and industry. The stories of ancient traditions, lost religions and power struggles are written across the mountains, drumlins, plains and coasts.
Biodiversity worksheets
The Biodiversity worksheets focus on the rich biodiversity interest of the Mourne area and the issues around biodiversity. There is a wonderful mosaic of different habitats. A habitat is a particular grouping or community of species. Habitats in the Mourne area include upland heath, bog, grassland, river, woodland, forest, coastal mudflat and shingle, rocky shores and sandy beaches. The large areas of farmland are also vital to the mosaic of diversity and biodiversity in the Mournes. Species rich hedgerows, sheughs, grassland and small copses add to the network of habitats for our native wildlife.
The Building of Our Place
This Building of Our Place teaching resource has been developed to encourage school children within the Ring of Gullion Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty to engage with their landscape and built heritage through information and activities.
Building of Our Place teaching resource teaches about built heritage from the Stone Age to the present day. Time periods covered are: Stone Age, Metal Ages (Bronze and Iron Age), Early Christianity, Medieval, Plantation, Georgian, and Victorian.
Geology & Landscape in Strangford and Lecale
Geology & Landscape in Strangford and Lecale illustrated leaflet explains some important geology of our area and points out good sites to see examples. Geology is the foundation of our landscape. Some can be seen on the surface but more is hidden beneath the topsoil or the sea. How and when the rocks were formed is measured in long periods called geological time.
Mourne Cultural Heritage Booklet
Mourne Cultural Heritage booklet teaching resource has been developed to encourage school children within the Mourne Mountains Landscape Partnership Area to engage with the relationship between their landscape and built heritage through a series of lessons and activities.
To obtain a copy of the resources please contact the Geopark Team:
mht@mourne.co.uk
