The aims of the group, in encouraging a knowledge of geology in Kent, are
achieved by means of a programme of both indoor and outdoor meetings. Indoor
meetings include talks by guest speakers, workshops and quizzes.
Past talks have included 'Beltinge Fish Beds', 'Gems' and 'The Evolution of
Plants'. Workshops are informal meetings giving a more 'hands-on' and interactive
way of learning geology. Workshops have included, for example, 'Geological Map
Interpretation' and 'Microfossils'.
Field meetings have mostly concentrated on Kent geology with visits led by
experts to such classic sites as Herne Bay, Sheppey and Folkestone. Less well-known
Kentish sites are also visited and more ambitious weekend field trips have been
arranged to areas outside Kent, usually with the willing co-operation of members
of other geological societies.
A group newsletter contains programme information, reports on meetings and
interesting articles.
A particular aim of the group is to stimulate an enthusiasm for geology among
young people. This is achieved by table displays, at local Rock n' Gem shows.
These enable the younger generation to search in sand for sharks' teeth. They are then helped to
identify the teeth, which they can label and take away for their collections.
In addition, with the aid of a microscope, they are encouraged to sift
through material samples for microfossils and mineral grains that they
then mount on a slide to take away.