‘A forgotten landscape of ancient habitation from Jurassic Filey Brigg through the most northerly chalk of The Wolds and Flamborough Head to the eroding glacial tills of Holderness; Geology and Archaeology.’
Why a UNESCO Global Geopark?
The Historic East Yorkshire area is extremely well placed to become a UNESCO Global Geopark. The region has been intensively studied over the past 150 years for its archaeological, biological, hydrological, geomorphological and geological aspects of the region, some of which are of international acclaim and importance.
Geology
The Yorkshire Wolds forms the most northernmost outcrop of the Cretaceous Chalk of the Northern Province and contains an underlying aquifer which provides both a private and public water supply. It forms a proud outcrop from Hessle, adjacent to the Humber Estuary in the southwest, which arcs round to the chalk cliffs of Flamborough Head on the north-sea coast with a prominent north- and west-facing Chalk escarpment, 200m in elevation. The high land forms a plateau, deeply incised by steep meandering ‘dry valleys’. A truly distinctive and much-admired form in the landscape where the normal pattern of farming is inverted, sheep in the valleys and crops up on the high ground.
The plateau gently descends South East into the ‘lower country’ of Holderness, composed of Devensian glacial tills over 50m thick covering the chalk with a subdued, undulating topography, 1-2m in above sea level and with a high rate of coastal erosion.
Both the high Wolds and Holderness contrast with the surrounding Vales and Plains with river systems flowing through landscapes of former glacial lakes sitting on ancient Jurassic and Triassic strata.
The Humber Estuary to the south is one of the largest tidal estuaries in England. It is crossed by the Humber Bridge, from Hessle, which links East Riding to Lincolnshire.
Archaeology
The proposed Geopark area has a varied archaeological history, with the highest density of archaeological sites from the prehistoric period in Britain, and additional assets ranging from abandoned medieval villages, chariot burials, square barrow cemeteries and others. These features are recognised for their international importance, due to the level of preservation discovered, and the British history represented.
In particular, the proposed area contains archaeological artefacts and remains, ranging from the prehistoric to the Iron Age. Both Wharram Percy and the Pocklington Iron Age cemetery represent sites of particular importance, due to the rare artefacts found, allowing academic researchers to investigate the history, cultural and religious practices and diet of both medieval Britain and the Arras tradition (a particular opportunity otherwise only found in northern France).
Ecology
The proposed area contains various important ecological habitats (such as meres and wetlands), supporting an ecologically rich landscape. Both the Hornsea Mere and Holderness Inshore MCZ are of particular importance, due to the immense influence of geological processes, and the range of habitats and species they support, such as edible crab, common lobster and butterfish. The area is famous for its birdlife: Bempton Cliffs with its sea birds and the Lower Derwent Valley and Spurn Point with its great flocks of migratory waders.
Sustaining Local Communities
A UNESCO Global Geopark, can deliver substantially towards the sustaining of local communities, which forms a strategic objective of the local authorities.
The People of the former East Riding
Over half the population of the area lives in rural communities, many of which are small and geographically isolated. The market towns of Norton and Filey are in Ryedale and Scarborough. Bridlington, Beverley, Driffield, Market Weighton, Pocklington, Hedon, Hornsea and Withernsea are in the East Riding, with more populated areas of the Haltemprice Settlements around Hull. It is sparsely populated at approximately 140 people per km sq., compared to England’s 378 people per km sq.
The main source of income for the area is agriculture but diversification has seen an increase in tourism-based development. The area’s character comes from its rural and coastal location and this is highlighted by its attractions including; the market towns and their historic buildings, the local farmer’s markets, rural features like Skidby Mill, natural features like Flamborough Head and the River Derwent in the Vale of Pickering. Geopark status gives the opportunity to tell the story of the historic East Riding and its people, bringing tourism opportunities from Hull, York, Leeds and beyond and a greater sense of place for local communities.
The Trails and opportunities for interpretation
The National Trails of The Yorkshire Wolds Way and the England Coast Path from Hessle to Filey, run like golden threads through the proposed Geopark. The Yorkshire Wolds Way is renowned for its peace and tranquillity. The England Coast Path is still in development. These, and several other trails that are either wholly or mostly within this region, link the towns and villages and offer opportunities for revitalisation after the effects of the recent pandemic.
There are great opportunities for developing geo-tourism in this area, increasing visitor numbers while offering public education on a variety of issues and specific sites to visitors and residents alike. Issues of flooding and coastal erosion, use of local and national natural resources and the need to protect the landscape are all issues connected with climate change and this will be an important part of the geopark’s outreach and educational goals.
As the geopark has no legislative designation, (unlike National Parks and AONB’s) it will not have an impact on planning development or farming practice.
The Geopark Boundary
The boundaries of the proposed Geopark comprise the River Derwent to the north and west, the Humber Estuary to the south and the Holderness Coast to the east, excluding the City of Kingston on Hull. This will comprise parts of The East Riding of Yorkshire Council and Ryedale District Council and Scarborough Borough Council in North Yorkshire but historically is former East Riding east of the Derwent. This will encompass an area of about 2800 km sq.
Contact Us
eygeopark@gmail.com
East Yorkshire Geopark 