Tag: Torbay

Introducing… the ACE Project!

We’re delighted to be able to announce a pilot project for families of children with SEND, which we will be running every Thursday morning from 18th January until 28th March 2024. We’ve called it the ACE Project because it brings together three things that we love at Taleblazers – art, craft and the environment. This project is being run as a pilot project for the Localmotion Environment group and at the end of the programme we would love to have your feedback on what we should do next to develop this idea!

We will run alternate weeks at our bases at Treacle Valley and at Cockington with a different focus each week. At Cockington we will run an art-based programme, while our Treacle Valley sessions will be focused on traditional crafts and conservation. We want to create friendly and welcoming spaces where you can come and meet other families of children with SEND, learn some new skills, be inspired and have some fun.

Children are very welcome to attend and depending on their age and numbers we may provide alternative activities for them so that parents can relax and enjoy the sessions.

To sign up, please complete our Microsoft Form by clicking here!

Our Geology course at Torre Abbey

Our very own geology expert, Rich, is delivering a short tailored Geology Course which includes four workshops. Exploring geological concepts on a different theme each month; Rocks, Time, Life and Structures – linking back to the geology of the English Riviera UNESCO Global Geopark.

Time – dating objects

The second session in January focussed on the theme; time. We learnt how we can date rocks using relative dating by comparing the rock to other rocks in order to decide if it is older or younger. Another method we learnt was ‘absolute dating’ where we measure the physical properties such as radioactive isotopes (radiocarbon dating, K-Ar, uranium) of the object itself and use these measurements to calculate it’s age. If you want to read into this more please visit; https://archaeology.ncdcr.gov/blog/2021-04-14/relative-absolute-dating

Below you can watch one of the videos from the session, which will take you through time by showing you the movements of the plate tectonics from 540Ma to the Modern time.

Life – Charles Darwin’s Finches

Last weekend the focus was on ‘life’ and with enthusiasm, Rich talked about Charles Darwin’s Finches. Charles didn’t realize it at the time, but the most important specimens that he brought back from the Galapagos were finches. Once back in England ornithologists John Gould examined the finches and discovered that Charles had brought back 13 different species of finch, and they were all unique to the Galapagos. This realization played a significant role in Darwin’s formulation of his theory of evolution. The most important differences between the finches were their beaks – some were small whilst others were large. The common theme was the availability to catch food. Their distinctive beaks being an adaptation to distinct natural habitats or environmental niches.

If you are intrigued and want to find out more about Charles Darwin’s Finches, why don’t you head over to this website to read some more; https://www.princeton.edu/news/2017/11/27/study-darwins-finches-reveals-new-species-can-develop-little-two-generations

https://twitter.com/taleblazersuk/status/1493205793696632834?s=21

If you are interested and would like to find out more about our course, please visit our website below.

Taleblazers website

5. The English Riviera UNESCO Global Geopark

What is the ERGG and why is it important? After a summer of Taleblazers Geowalks, Rich, Kev and Victoria talk about the fascinating geology in Torbay and some of their favourite spots.

Taleblazers
Taleblazers
5. The English Riviera UNESCO Global Geopark
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