Jurassic Coast honoured by Royal Geographical Society

The Jurassic Coast World Heritage Team has been awarded the Royal Geographical Society (with IBS – the Institute for British Geographers)’s 2016 Geographical Award.

These prestigious medals and awards recognise excellence in geographical research and fieldwork, teaching and public engagement. They are presented annually to individuals who have made outstanding achievements. Whilst it is unusual for a ‘team’ to be awarded, in the case of the Jurassic Coast, this is entirely appropriate. The Jurassic Coast has always been a partnership organisation and without the work of many people over a number of years, winning this award would not have been possible.

The Jurassic Coast World Heritage Team has won the award based on “outstanding collaborative work to foster student and wider public engagement with the Jurassic coastline”.

Sam Rose, Jurassic Coast Manager said: “We are truly honoured to have received this prestigious award, and humbled to be ranked alongside some of the world’s greatest geographers. It is a testament to the outstanding work of the Jurassic Coast team over the last 16 years, and the passion and enthusiasm of many, many people who have worked so hard to help engage the public with understanding and appreciating this special World Heritage Site.”

Councillor Roger Croad, Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Environment, said: “As a World Heritage Site the Jurassic Coast is an important asset for East Devon, and Devon as a whole, attracting many thousands of visitors every year. This award is well deserved by the team who work hard to help everyone enjoy this special place.”

Cllr Peter Finney MBE, Dorset County Council Portfolio Holder for the Environment said: “I’m completely delighted that the Jurassic Coast Team has picked up this prestigious award. It is a great credit to all members of the team, past and present, who have worked on the Jurassic Coast and I am sure it will make the people of Dorset very proud.”

The esteemed list of previous winners includes David Livingstone, Captain R. Scott and more recently Dr Sylvia Earle and Sir David Attenborough.

This year’s Royal Founder’s Medal has been awarded to Professor Michael Storper for scholarship and leadership in human and economic geography.

The Royal Medal Patron’s Medal goes to Bob Geldof KBE for raising global public awareness and challenging the causes of inequality in Africa.

Representatives from the Jurassic Coast Team are delighted to be attending the awards presentation at the Royal Geographical Society on 6th June.