A book which documents 50 of Northumberland's rocks to celebrate the 50th anniversary of a local wildlife charity is finally set to get its launch event this month.
Northumberland Rocks by Ian Jackson tells the story of Northumberland's geological history from 425 million years ago right up to the present day and explains how and why its rocks are the reason for the region's scenery and landscape. Published in December 2021 to coincide with a half-century of Northumberland Wildlife Trust, the book is finally getting its full launch at the Sill National Landscape Discovery Centre in Northumberland National Park.
Coronavirus restrictions have so far prevented an official launch for the book, yet despite this it has been well received, with readers and reviewers praising both the photographs and the 'accessible' way it's written. Others have even used it as a guide to walks in the county.
Read more: Northumberland beauty spot named one of the best places to stargaze in the UK
Ian, who recently appeared on Countryfile, said: "This book is a personal selection of 50 places where rocks make a special statement about Northumberland’s landscape, history, culture and wildlife. It makes the story of the Northumbrian landscape relevant and more accessible to everyone. I wrote it to share the amazing stories our rocks can tell to anybody who is curious about their landscape and I am delighted with its success so far."
One of the bookshops where Northumberland Rocks has been flying off the shelves is Forum Books, which was recently named the best independent bookshop in the North of England.
Owner Helen Stanton said: "Northumberland Rocks became an instant bestseller for us and you can see why - it's packed with stunning photography of the region that celebrates the landscape as well as its geology. It totally rocks!"
Allison Cuthbertson, Retail and Front of House Manager at The Sill: National Landscape Discovery Centre, said: "We’re delighted to be hosting the launch of Ian Jackson’s latest book at The Sill. The Sill was built to mimic the shapes and geology of The Great Whin Sill, so it’s the perfect place to discover more about the geology of the local area."
The launch of Northumberland Rocks takes place at the Sill National Landscape Discovery Centre close to Bardon Mill on Sunday April 24. There will be two sessions at 1pm and 3pm and entry is free.
