The Heart of Wales Geopark

The newly launched Heart of Wales Geopark celebrates the region's rich geological heritage, particularly the Builth–Llandrindod Inlier, an area renowned for its Ordovician geology. This geopark covers ancient volcanic islands (across the valley from Fforest Fields) that are about 450 million years old and includes significant fossil sites like Castle Bank. The initiative aims to enhance public engagement and understanding through trails, information boards, events, and a dedicated website. This effort is led by a new charity working closely with local councils, communities, and individuals, gradually expanding to involve more people and landowners.

The Geopark has been launched following Dr. Joseph Botting and Dr. Lucy Muir groundbreaking discoveries at a site near Llandrindod Wells, unearthing one of the world's most significant fossil sites at Castle Bank. This site, which dates back to the Middle Ordovician period around 460 million years ago, has revealed over 170 species, many of which are soft-bodied and exceptionally well-preserved. This discovery offers unprecedented insights into the "Great Ordovician Biodiversification Event," a pivotal time in the evolution of complex life.

The fossils, which range in size from 1 to 5 millimeters, include ancient worms, sponges, starfish, and a primitive horseshoe crab. Notably, some of the fossils display extraordinary fine details, such as eyes and potential brain structures. These fossils not only shed light on previously unknown species but also include the youngest known examples of rare groups like opabiniids and wiwaxiids, and the oldest specimens of more modern-looking animals that resemble insects.

The significance of this find is amplified by its rarity; similar soft-bodied fossil sites from this period are extremely scarce, with only one other comparable site known in Morocco. The work of Botting and Muir, who are independent researchers and had to crowd-fund to acquire necessary equipment, underscores the importance of community support in scientific discovery.

This find, still in the early stages of exploration, promises to yield new discoveries for decades, contributing immensely to our understanding of early marine ecosystems and the evolution of life on Earth.

The discovery of the Castle Bank fossil site near Llandrindod Wells holds considerable local significance for mid-Wales. This extraordinary find not only places the region at the forefront of paleontological research but also enhances its scientific and cultural heritage.

We are excited to support the launch of the Heart of Wales Geopark and will continue to share updates as well as host events to bring this to life for our local community and visitors to the region.