Field trip organisation
What's involved in organising or helping to organise one of our geology trips?
We've divided the task up into three different roles, to help spread the workload and also to accommodate different skills and capabilities that group members have, to make it easier to contribute to the program.
For a successful field trip there are three different roles involved, Trip Planner, Geologist and Trip Co-Ordinator. These can be fulfilled by one or more people for each field trip, depending on capabilities.
Ideas for trips can be based on any places of geological interest that you know of within a reasonable distance of Hexham. Several members of the group have geological guide books containing suggested trips which can also be used for inspiration. We also have a folder of previously visited sites from the last few years, with up-to-date information on access and geology.
Trip Planner
Scout the area for:
- Parking
- Toilets
- Ease of access to the sites and walking distance
- Lunch venue (agreed with provider)
- Check travel times
- Check tide times if it’s a beach/coastal location
- Write up directions for reaching start point and listed locations, advise on any access issues.
This will normally require a day out to scout the location and about half a day on a computer to write up the directions, which can be either in Word or simply an e-mail if this is easier.
This role does not require Geology skills. It does need access to a computer and a car.
Geologist
- Ideally accompany the Planner on the recce
- Prepare field notes for circulation in advance, if relevant
- Lead the site discussions to explain the general context and specific issues relating to each site
This will normally require a day out to scout the location and about half a day on a computer to prepare field notes, if it is felt these are needed.
Trip Co-Ordinator
- E-mail out directions and geology notes
- Compile list of expected attendees
- Help with sorting shared transport as required
This normally requires the equivalent of about half a day spread over the week before the trip.
This role does not require Geology skills or access to a car. It does require a computer and a phone.
The Convenor or Deputy Convenor on the day of the trip will record actual attendees for the U3A returns.