ERMS Field Visit to Hill Farm, Gestingthorpe. 5th September 2026

Our host, Ashley Cooper, cuts new sections on his farm each year, for us to explore the geology of Hill Farm.

The visit will feature the geology and soils of the chalk, Tertiary sands and gravels, London Clay and Thames Kesgrave gravels. Here the glacial till has large amount of erratics. Many sink-holes have appeared over the years and are still forming.   

Gestingthorpe village is known for a particularly high concentration of sarsen stones. There are many on the farm and surrounding roadsides.

Last year (2025) members found an assortment of fossils and bull nosed flints on the visit.

You can explore his geology collection and Ashley will show us his museum of finds, from the Roman villa site on the farm. Some of the archaeological items found on the farm are significant enough to have been featured in books on the subject.

There is a large 'school' room with seating. Bring your own lunch if you wish to eat. Tea or coffee will be available. All donations are welcome. Toilets are onsite.

 

Please bring hard hat, high vis and boots suitable for fieldwalking, and you may wish to have weather proof clothing.  

Organiser: Jonathan Spencer          Leader: Ashley Cooper

 

This visit is free to ERMS members. However, if you are not a member, there will be a small charge of £5, which will enrol you as a temporary member.

Please note that no refund is given if you are unable to attend.

You can use this form to book places for either one or two people. This is useful in several situations e.g. husband + wife, or an ERMS member who brings along a non-member. If you want to book places for more than two people, please go back to the website and click on the booking link once again.