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Welcome to the English Riviera UNESCO Global Geopark - One of Earth's Extraordinary Places! A beautiful landscape of dramatic changes, of exploration, discovery and fun.
UNESCO Global Geoparks share the story of our Planet.
A Geopark is an area of globally recognised, unique geological interest designated by UNESCO. A place where you can touch a very special part of the Earth's story and be amazed by the extraordinary landscapes, mountains, coastlines, places and people.
Our Geopark, covering the entire area of Torbay, is Naturally Inspiring. It shares stories of a landscape untouched by glaciation unseen elsewhere in the world. Stories of tropical seas and scorching deserts, raised beaches and drowned forests, hippopotami and mammoth, straight-tusked elephant and sabre-toothed tiger, cave bear and earliest man...
News from the Geopark
15 Aug
A quarry in Torquay has played a small but important part in the history of the planet, Lummaton Quarry, now an industrial estate, was a source of limestone used in buildings across Torbay. The rock was formed from the skeletons of sea creatures around 400 million years ago and it was the discovery of unusual marine fossils in the quarry during the Victorian era that ended a big scientific debate.
14 Aug
It is undoubtedly one of South Devon’s most prestigious accolades, a UNESCO status that when awarded was shared with just 57 areas around the world for their unique geological heritage. Awarded to three coastal towns in 2007, it recognised millions of years of historic activity which formed stunning landscapes, populated thriving waters, and inspired and defined generations of culture and heritage quietly and unfalteringly. More than ten years on, Torbay celebrates its designation with pride as the home of the English Riviera UNESCO Global Geopark.
8 Aug
This week, the English Riviera Geopark Organisation (ERGO) along with key and associate partners of the English Riviera UNESCO Global Geopark hosted two UNESCO recognised evaluators as part of the revalidation process, to determine if Torbay retains its UNESCO Global Geopark designation for a further 4-years.
26 Jul
English Riviera UNESCO Global Geopark announces new Associate Partners
The English Riviera UNESCO Global Geopark is delighted to announce that fourteen local businesses and coastal initiatives have signed up to become Official Associate Partners of the Geopark.
21 May
Celebrate our unique UNESCO Global Geopark status with us this half term at the English Riviera Geopark Festival from 25 – 31 May 2019.
The annual festival provides the ideal opportunity for locals and visitors to discover what makes Torbay’s geological and cultural history so unique and special. There’s a wide range of free and paid for events all week that can help all ages enjoy, explore and experience all the different aspects of the Geopark.
16 May
Torbay, home of the English Riviera UNESCO Global Geopark have been awarded the prestigious Blue Flag Awards for six of its beaches.
Up from the three last year, Oddicombe, Meadfoot, Abbey Sands, Preston, Broadsands and Breakwater will all be flying the internationally recognised Blue Flag this year.
10 Apr
The English Riviera UNESCO Global Geopark are honoured to announce the launch of a new partnership with South Devon College.
25 Mar
Over the weekend of 8-9 June 2019, Torbay Amateur Radio Society (TARS) will be joining radio stations from around the world to exchange greetings with GB6GEO over the airwaves. During the special communications weekend, the English Riviera UNSECO Global Geopark special event station will transmit live from Kent’s Cavern. Using a special event call sign GB6GEO, TARS will establish contact with other radio stations around Britain, Europe and the World.
More news...
Events in the Geopark
28 - 27 Jun
Torquay Museum
Devon Torbay YAC is open to everyone aged 8–16 years. YAC clubs get involved in all sorts...
25 Jul - 27 Oct
Town Pontoon, Brixham Harbour
Pilgrim is the oldest surviving trawler built and rigged in Brixham.
Go aboard on one of our...
28 Aug - 31 Oct
Berry Head National Nature Reserve
On a Wednesday come and join one of the Berry Head volunteers as they lead you around Berry Head...
19 - 27 Oct
Cockington
This is an 'eye-spy' type spotter sheet to help children search for and find mini beasts and...
21 - 22 Oct
Kent's Cavern
The Devon Bird of Prey Centre will be at Kent's Cavern on Monday 21st and Tuesday 22nd October...
30 Oct
Occombe Farm
Come and see what spooky and wild surprises we have in store for Halloween! Come in fancy dress...
2 Nov
Berry Head
Early November can produce some of the most spectacular overhead movements of birds but only...
4 - 9 Nov
Kent's Cavern
Delve underground into Shakespeare’s tantalizing tale as it unfolds around you in a world...
6 Nov
Torquay Museum
Geopark partner Torquay Museum host an introduction to the Barn Owl, the effects of changing...
8 - 10 Nov
Various across the English Riviera UNESCO Global Geopark
Come along to Wavelength for three nights in November - with vibrant projections, playable...
8 - 10 Nov
Torre Abbey Meadows (next to Pitch and Putt), Torquay, TQ2 5HP
An interactive installation with soundscape inspired by local birdsong.
A unique mix of nature,...
8 - 10 Nov
Torre Abbey Museum, The Kings Drive, Torquay, TQ2 5JE
Key partner, Torre Abbey plays host to activities and events each evening, with hands on...
8 - 10 Nov
Torre Abbey Museum, The Kings Drive, Torquay, TQ2 5JE
Key partner site Torre Abbey becomes a canvas for mass collaboration and a celebration of people...
8 - 10 Nov
Torbay Road, Torquay, TQ2 5JE
Taking inspiration from the English Riviera UNESCO Global Geopark, exquisite cliff projections...
8 - 9 Nov
Torre Abbey Sands, Torquay, TQ2 5DJ
Murmuration captures the wonder of being part of a collective experience that is bigger than you....
9 Nov
Torre Abbey Sands, Torquay, TQ2 5DJ
An illuminated performance with dogs and dog-walkers, musicians and a sound landscape.
The...
10 Nov
Torre Abbey Museum, The Kings Drive, Torquay, TQ2 5JE
Flock is a new piece of family friendly dance theatre devised, co-created and performed by...
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Meet our patron
Television's favourite geologist Prof. Iain Stewart is patron of the English Riviera Geopark.
Iain is the presenter of Journeys from the Centre of the Earth, the award winning BBC series Earth - The Power of the Planet and his current BBC series How Earth Made Us.
See what Iain has to say about his role as Geopark patron
Hong Kong Geopark
In November 2009, the English Riviera Geopark signed a partnership agreement with the Hong Kong Geopark, allowing both Geoparks to strengthen
their international relationship. Click here to find out more about our sister Geopark
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