Marble’s allure and rock-solid strength have kept it at the foundation of human sculpture and construction for millennia. Situated just around the corner from the better known Lulworth Cove the little hidden bay is almost separated from the sea by limestone cliffs which have eroded into numerous arches. It consists of around 40 thousand hexagonal basalt columns formed by volcanic activity around 50-60 million years ago. Am Buachaille is the second in a trinity of dramatic sea stacks on the Scottish coast which have captivated both sightseers and rock climbers over the years.

Rocks and minerals - British Geological Survey

Our staff have the luxury of being able to spend as long as you need to try on, talk about and fiddle with whatever equipment you want (or need) (or desire). Legend has it that the causeway was built by the Irish giant Finn McCool as a bridge to confront his Scottish rival, Benandonner. Limestone and chalk come from the remains of dead plant, animal and marine species and are rich in calcium carbonate and contain fossils.

This immense mountain range stretches over 7,000 km along the western edge of the continent, making it the longest in the world.

Rock types in the UK - igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic Rock types in the UK - igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic

When granite undergoes this process, like at a tectonic plate boundary, it turns into gneiss (pronounced “nice”).

Granite hardens within the earth’s crust, where temperatures are higher, so it cools much more slowly, allowing time for larger crystals to be formed. Over long periods of time, layers of sediments become compacted and cemented, and they are transformed into sedimentary rocks. It is thought that the name comes from the fact that the stack resembles a figure standing on the shore, watching over the sheep. In this resource pupils will learn about geological time, different geological periods and how old the earth is.