Hull Geological Society

Mike Horne FGS

Unfinished Works

This is unfinished work that has not been edited or peer reviewed by the Society.

The Amateur in British Geology today

some thoughts by Mike Horne (2002)

 When we look back at the achievements of amateur geologists of the past and their contributions to our science we see a quite different world. Before television came to dominate our lives self-improvement was more fashionable. People sought out knowledge and education through clubs, museums, classes and outdoor activities. There were a lot more exposures available to be studied and no real concerns about conservation. There were fewer non-amateurs and it was easier for amateurs to publish work and rise to national or international importance.

 When I got interested in geology I went to my local museum or the Geological Museum to look at their specimens to compare with mine and thus identify them. I was also lucky that I was able to study geology at A level and then go on to University. Today I might not be so fortunate - displays of specimens with their identification in Museums is a rarity. My local museum display identifies all the brachiopods and bivalves as "shellfish". My old school no longer teaches geology; of the six friends who taught geology at A level only one does any geology teaching and that is at AS-level, the rest had their courses stopped.

 I wonder if anyone has stopped to think about what amateur geologists do and how non-amateurs can help them?

 What is an amateur?

Someone who does geology for the fun of it and who's main income is from another source.

Amateurs can be split into to main categories - collectors and earth scientists. The collectors start by collecting rocks, minerals and fossils and eventually become specialised. There are some people who come to geology from an interest in other natural sciences or the landscape. They do not necessarily wish to have a large specialised collection.

There are also levels of interest in geology - general public interest, beginner, intermediate and researcher. Many members of the public may have a passing interest in geology - they might watch dinosaur programmes on TV, visit a museum, attend a beginners geology walk or even wonder about a strange shaped stone that they have found. The geological beginner will take that interest further and may read some books, start collecting and trying to identify specimens or attend a geology course. The specialist/expert/researcher does scientific geology, methodically observing geology in the field, cataloguing specimens and often is willing to share their knowledge with others through clubs or publication. There is a stage between beginner and expert that can take many routes and is critical if knowledge and specimens are not to be lost to the geological community. There comes a stage within everyone's development where access to information and training is essential. If they are not encouraged at the right time then they might give up and throw their collection away, or they might not make the transition into scientific geology and stick with personal collecting. With today's pressures on sites and the need for conservation the training of amateur geologists in ethical collecting and use of sites is vital if specimens are not going to be dumped or 'collectors' are forced into secrecy.

We also have to remember that teenagers and young adults are shy about approaching 'experts' for help and advice. So the geological community has to make itself available so that the right time in the individual's scientific development is not missed.

 What are the advantages of being an amateur -?

You can do whatever research your time and resources allow. There is no one to supervise your work.

You can take your time - there is not time limit to writing up and publishing the work. This means that you can take decades to keep going back and observing and collecting - an option that is not usually available to the professional or academic.

 Disadvantages of being an amateur -

You tend to lag behind in scientific developments.

Less access to literature.

No access to high-tech equipment for geochemistry, microscopy and geophysics.

Less chance to discuss geology with fellow geologists.

Harder to write up and publish your research.

A sense of inferiority comparing oneself with the non-amateurs.

 Some suggestions of what can the non-amateurs do to help?

 Colleges and Universities:

Do educational institutions view "LifeLong Learning" as a source of income or are they committed to help individuals and groups in the lifelong pursuit of knowledge?

Mentoring of individuals interested in research and help and encouragement to publish their results.

Allowing the use of research facilities

Linking local amateurs to full time PhD students

Night class alumni groups which may carry out research or evolve into geological societies.

Workshops on laboratory work or advanced techniques.

 Museums -

Stop dumbing down displays - there is science beyond that magical Keystage 2 or 3 that seems to have become the target audience.

More information for he intermediate level geologists.

Careful consideration before displaying specimens from "no collecting" sites.

Encourage people to use the reserve collections, library and research facilities.

Publish their collecting policy clearly stating geographical area of interest.

Regular "Roadshows" - with panel of local "experts".

Displays of "recent acquisitions" and the work of local amateurs.

Noticeboard for use by local individuals, clubs and educational establishments.

Create registers of local amateur collectors and their interests.

 Clubs and Societies.

Make amateurs welcome [note there are only a finite number of professionals so if clubs want to gain new members they should encourage amateurs to join]

Help and encourage amateurs to publish recent finds and research.

Special lectures, walks and field meetings for the public.

Research projects that lead to a symposium, exhibition or publication in which all members can participate at their own level and providing an aim to activities.

Participation in geo-conservation through RIGS Groups, "adopting sites" and co-operation with other organisations.

Break down barriers - look for common interests with other specialist groups including non-scientists - local history, wildlife trusts, people who use stone in their work .....

 Journals

Make information more freely available perhaps through the Internet and w.w.w.

Publish short notes, reports of field meetings, etc.

Have a mentoring system to help amateurs re-write their work if required.

Geological Heritage Projects -

Work with local clubs, amateurs, etc.

Plan the follow up to introductory public events that allow people to develop their interest.

 Geo-conservation Groups

Work with amateurs rather than seeing them as a threat to sites - restrictions have to apply equally to everyone discrimination will always be resented and may lead to secretive abuse of sites.

Explain the need for conservation.

Publicise conservation sites - collectors will only know not to collect from a site if they are kept informed.

 Everyone:

Remember that once we invite people to become interested in geology we have a duty to continue to support them. It would be rude to invite someone to a meal and then say that they cannot have the pudding because we are going off duty now OR the pudding is reserved for the "experts".

Non-amateurs must also realise that must respect the contribution that amateurs make - attempts to exploit their knowledge without acknowledgement or place restrictions solely on amateur collectors will drive them away into a separate secret community.

These are my views and suggestions. But has there been any attempt to consult amateurs about their needs? Is it not time that there was?

Shouldn't there be a national umbrella organisation that helps clubs and individuals. The Geologists' Association has started in that direction through its affiliation scheme, speakers list and fieldwork insurance. But there is more that could be done and it is easier and cheaper to do now using the w.w.w.  It is fairly easy to create news-groups and communities for general and specialist subjects. It is inexpensive to publish and make information freely available that would be of help to amateurs. How about an index of mentors willing to help amateurs or experts who can help identify specimens.

 The sharing of knowledge between non-ammeters and amateurs benefits both sides. Museums may receive the donation of rare specimens, lecturers may get joint publications, important sites will be conserved.... But it has to be done in a spirit of co-operation.

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