The English Riviera Geopark

Since hundreds of years, the English Riviera has become a popular holiday destination for Brits. The geological history in this area, which is considered the UK's oldest resort, dates back more than 400 million years. The Geopark of the English Riviera has been recognized by UNESCO among an elite group of only 53 global Geoparks. Geoparks are areas whose geological features enable us to study our geological heritage. The English Riviera Geopark is unique because it is located in the urban landscape of Devon. This Geopark can be explored without having to travel to remote locations, hike in the mountains or trek through wilderness trails. The Geopark is all around you in the English Riviera.

Devon is a fossil-rich area. Fossils dating back to the Devonian Period (Paleozoic Era) can be found along the English Riviera. Devonian rocks from 350 million years ago are the reason for the period's name. The English Riviera is a visual reminder of Earth's evolution. From tropical seas, scorching deserts, mammoths, and saber tooth tigers to mammoths. Stories of the past are brought to life by the geological features.

Torbay

Torbay is the largest bay in the English Riviera. The coastline of Torbay winds along the tropical sea on a path that runs from south to west. Paignton is the largest town in Torbay. Torquay, Brixham and Brixham are also part of this region. Due to its geography, the climate can be described by the term Mediterranean. The Torbay region has many geological features, including Berry Head. Berry Head is 60 meters high and the remains of an enormous coral reef that existed 400 million years ago.

Babbacombe Cliffs: 

In the cliffs at Babbacombe, you can see the evidence of the plate tectonic movements that took place on Earth more than 300 millions years ago when the earth only had two continents. The intense pressure and collision between the two continents caused the cliffs at Babbacombe, to fold on themselves. This makes the top layer limestone the oldest sediment Kundasang Ranau Sabah.

KentsCavern: 

Ancient humans lived in prehistoric caves at Kent's Cavern. After a long excavation that involved removing stalagmite floor coverings, the discovery of ancient life forms was confirmed. Ancient life forms were discovered on two levels during the excavation, the first at the level of 12,000 years and the second at the level of 350,000 years. The cavern was made of marine Devonian limestone that was deposited on the seabed in warm tropical water over 400 million years ago.

The Torbay Geopark has 32 sites that span three geological periods. The geological heritage on our planet can be seen and appreciated first-hand by visitors to the Torbay Geopark.