Cultural Geography Blog

A new(ish) resource which can be accessed and used by members of the Geographical Association. I am considering adding a section of this to my teaching this year. Sycamore Gap is a significant landmark in Northumberland where three distinct features combined: a natural and dramatic dip in the physical landscape about halfway along the 80-mile run of Hadrian’s Wall, itself an ancient monument and reminder of the power of the Roman Empire, and until recently, a lone, 300-year-old Sycamore tree. The site has UNESCO designation and is a Scheduled Ancient Monument. Arguably, it will still be known as Sycamore Gap because of its story. The tree has stood for hundreds of years, perfectly framed by the landscape, thrilling locals and visitors alike until it was deliberately cut down, under cover of darkness, sometime between the evening of 27 September 2023 and the following morning.  The loss of the tree has caused an outcry and reaction of public grief. These materials are designed to help

The Max Richter album ' Sleep' is one that I've listened to many times. His new one is always going to appeal to my inner geographer as it is called 'In a Landscape'. I can also confirm that it is excellent and relaxing and an excellent soundtrack for a few hours spent writing.

I've just finalised the plans for a session for GCSE and 'A' Level teachers and students later this month as part of the programme of events offered by the GA Gloucester Branch. It's an upate of a session I created for the GA Oxford Branch last year. I explore some of the ways that teachers and students can research case studies they need to remember for exams to make them come to life a little more, and ensure they are a little more authentic, contemporary and relevant, as well as memorable for the exam when it comes to revising. Why not sign up? This will be one of my Worldly Wednesdays....

  I spent two days last week at Rayburn Tours' HQ in Derby. I work as a Field Studies Tutor (FST) for Rayburn, and go out twice a year or so to help students and teachers interpret the amazing landscape and culture of Iceland. After some delay because of COVID etc., the company was keen to gather us all together to meet each other face to face and allow us to meet and take us through some updates that would help us with our work. One of the sessions that we had as a group of Field Study Tutors was from Dr. Rhian Meara. Rhian has been researching the story of Heimaey , and the eruption that took place in 1973. Most papers and stories refer to the eruption and have a series of bullet points 'telling the story' except they miss out the 'actual' stories of those who experienced it, many of whom still live on the island. A series of papers have either been published or are being prepared for publication by Rhian. You can also hear Rhian talking along with Cath Rule and R