Volunteers reveal Shepton Mallet Cutting Local Geological Site

Often overlooked, Local Geological Sites (LGS) are the geological equivalent of Local Wildlife Sites. There are more than 200 recognised across Somerset.

In early February, volunteers from the Somerset Geology Group worked alongside staff based at our Shepton Mallet offices, with support from our Green Estate Rangers, to uncover an overgrown section of the Shepton Mallet Cutting LGS.

The lunchtime volunteer session involved scaling a steep, slippery and muddy bank, as well as standing in a water‑filled ditch just over welly‑deep, to bring a targeted section of Jurassic geology back into view. This LGS has been important since the 19th century, as it reveals Lower Jurassic Downside Stone/Bowlish facies, rather than the classic Blue Lias geology more commonly seen in the area.

The group had great fun and were amazed at how much could be achieved in such a short session.

If you’re interested in finding out more about Somerset’s rich geology, visit somersetgeology.org.uk.