RESEARCH INTERESTS
My current studies in West Sussex geology
About me
My walks and talks
What's on in West Sussex
Well, anything to do with West Sussex geology is potentially of interest. In reality, I have several things simultaneously on the go that come on and off the boil as time (and interest) permits. When I have time, I have also been asked to write several local guides and trails, as well as update older versions. I simply need more hours in the day / longer weekends.
A brief of current research interests must include:
- The London Clay Formation of Bognor Regis. I have been collecting and studying the Eocene age London Clay exposed on the foreshore at Bognor since my teenage years, resulting in a number of research papers. Time permitting, I have more to write and I am always interested in following up any new work on this geological Site of Special Scientific Interest as well as the London Clay anywhere in West Sussex.
- The Reading Formation of Felpham, near Bognor. In 1986, I wrote a paper on these Eocene deposits which are exposed on the foreshore in this area, a truly remarkable example of in-situ palm trees (their stumps) and a fossil flora of national importance. The site was consequently designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest. As a result, I am always interested in following up anything new relating to the Reading Formation of West Sussex.
- The ‘Bracklesham Beds’ of Bracklesham Bay. I have been leading fossil hunts here since at least 1985. I also occasionally look at some of the lesser known stretches of foreshore between West Wittering, Selsey and Pagham Harbour when there are foreshore exposures to be seen. Much of this coast falls within a geological Site of Special Scientific Interest, and there is certainly much to be investigated and recorded.
- Building stones. In the early 1990s, my wife and I made the exciting discovery of a previously unrecognised local building stone (a spicular, phosphatic chalk) used throughout the Chichester district and surrounding areas in Roman and medieval times. We named this 'Lavant stone', this being the nearest village, and have subsequently published and given talks on this study. From this has developed an interest in the building stones of West Sussex, particularly in the churches of the county. I am currently engaged in a broad study of all the 250 or so stone-built churches, looking at the use and distribution of nearly 70 stone types. I have now recorded the building stones in over 200 churches and, one day, will publish some of the fascinating results.
- The Mixon reef, Selsey. Alternatively known as Mixen, this is an Eocene age limestone that outcrops as an offshore reef to the south of Selsey. Exposed at low tide, it has been used from Roman times to the 19th C as a source of local building stone. It is mentioned in publications on local history and archaeology, often with reference to various scientifically unproven ideas on its formation and use, to the point that these are now accepted 'fact'. It is one of my long-standing wishes to investigate this further and I am very slowly working towards this end - I usefully need contact with some good divers without preconceived ideas on the matter!