GEOLOGY TRAIL < Back to Grounds map < Back Next >
We aim to bring into the grounds a sample of rock from the seven geological regions of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. It is an ongoing project to develop a geology trail. Some are large, some more modest in size. Some have been worked upon, others take their natural form. Some have been reclaimed from other uses. Their massive scale appeals to the adults and children alike. The technical challenges in bringing them to the Coombes, moving and placing them is real maths in action - forces at work.
 
1. Coombeshenge

Limestone from Coldstones Quarry near Pately Bridge in Yorkshire, a gift from The Pioneer Group of Companies. Inspired by the environmental art of Andy Goldsworthy, we began experimenting with making structures out of mud in the design of Stonehenge. They gave us the opportunity to explore construction and study the effects of weathering as the mud structures were reclaimed by erosion and the weather. We then, with the help of the nearby Garrison, set up our own stone structure. They give us a great deal of pleasure and opportunity to explore texture and scale, ideas of permanence and the ephemeral and are a link to our pre-Christian past. Coombeshenge and many of the other large projects in the grounds was Installed with the help of the Arborfield Garrison. It would be nearly impossible to create features on this scale without their help, expertise and specialist equipment.