The Dee Estuary Since the Last Ice Age

Our Dee Estuary, with thanks to National Lottery players, is proud to be hosting Professor Jim Marshall for a walk with a difference along Thurstaston Beach.

This is a family friendly event with something for everyone so please join us!

This event will provide an overview of the Dee Estuary and its geological setting. We will take a gentle stroll along the beach observing how the different styles of slope failure influence vegetation and habitats. Examination of the deposits left by the retreat of the ice sheets will enable participants to identify rocks that were transported to the Wirral by ice from the Lake District and Scotland. Contemporary sedimentation, so important for wildlife, will be discussed in the context of both the continued adjustment of the coastline after the ice disappeared and human interference.

Jim Marshall is Emeritus Professor of Geology at the University of Liverpool. The Wirral Geology Project is a joint initiative involving University Staff and Members of the Liverpool Geological Society.

Once you have parked your car in one of the pay and display carparks please make your way to the pond by the Visitor Centre.

Participants should wear sturdy shoes, and bring waterproofs. A hand lens or magnifying glass might be useful for rock identification purposes.

We will walk about 3km, in total, including the descent by the footpath to the beach and the 30m climb back up the steps.