Gloucestershire is a great place for fossil hunting and being as our son has started learning about rocks we thought it a good idea for a family day out. I took a look at the various areas considering how successful we were likely to be and the suitability for our family. As it was our first time (and we had no additional equipment) I decided that we would head for Gilberts Grave.
Gilbert’s Grave is a disused railway cutting in the Chedworth Woods. There is a small lay-by to park the car on the same side as the footpath – although this is only for around two cars. It is suitable for children as it is a very short walk for children to get to, but care must be taken as there’s a very steep drop to the sides of a very wide footpath. The site has no restrictions but to preserve the site then hammering the bedrock is not permitted – although you can hammer and collect loose rocks and scree.
It was not only great to get the boys outdoors but it was nice to hear them discuss what they had learnt at school. Our 8 year old has been taught about different rock types (igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary) by heating up dark and white chocolate; he explained that most of the rocks we could see are sedimentary. Our 12 year old explained how he had been learning about rocks in Geology – and was explaining about the gaps in the rocks where the water was coming from. Our 6 year old Sensory Seeker just loved to explore and touch things.
Our time at Chedworth Nature Reserve was fairly short but enough for the boys to burn off some energy and spend quality time together as a family. We went armed with some water, fruit and Jaffa Cakes as a treat (and always good when they are trying to climb higher than we want them to!) They are now looking forward to digging into them to see what we can find this weekend. This was a good family activity and free – apart from fuel (and Jaffa cakes).
These are my family photos for #CountryKids but if you are interested in my Nature/Rock pictures checkout my Facebook Album.
It’s great that you acted on what the boys are learning at school and got them out having a hands on experience to really help them remember all the information. It’s great that they were each bouncing what they were experiencing off of each other and telling each other the bits they knew about the rocks.The kids look like they enjoyed their walk with you, I’m sure the Jaffa Cakes helped slightly. Thanks for linking up with me on Country Kids
I’m liking the sound of this, will have to see how far away it is from us #CountryKids
I have never heard of Chedworth Woods, I will have to go and check it out. Sounds like a great spot for my boys to explore and have fun 🙂
Looks a fantastic place to explore with its geology and ancient woodland, lovely and mysterious.