Wet Weather Walk near Wetton

During the driest UK summer on record, it was a day more suited to wellingtons when the ARG members met up for a walk in the Staffordshire Peak near the small village of Wetton.

images courtesy of Jo Hill and Lily Thompson

With a ten-mile route that took in visits to mine shafts of the Ecton copper mine, and a planned refreshment break at The Watts Russell Arms, members of the team, both new and old, gathered near Wetton and completed the walk in good spirits. Neil had provided the route and as we walked and talked, he made sure to keep us on the right track through the day and ensured we didn't get 'lost in the hills'. There were plenty of conversations about expeditions and exploits in the past as well as about the future and particularly, of course, the 2027 expedition.  Plans for a four-week expedition are taking shape and there are new, as well as current team members, who want to book their places. 

The current intended general location for the expedition is a return to Rindersbukta, where the ARG has enjoyed previous successful expeditions.  There is still a lot to be discussed, planned and arranged to then finalise the objectives and obtain the permissions, before the team selection and bookings can take place.  The remaining weeks of the summer, and right through Autumn, will continue to be a busy time for all the ARG volunteers in achieving all this, as well as raising the funds and getting the right resources, to allow the expedition to take place in less than 12 months’ time.

Images courtesy of Jo Hill and Lily Thompson

The weather around Wetton did improve in the later afternoon, and the amount of rain that fell during the morning was really relatively light, and it was much needed by the parched plants and grasses in the hard, cracked earth. The climate changes in the UK and around the world are constant reminders of the need for ongoing research to help understand what is happening in nature. Combined with investigating the pervasive pollution of the seas and oceans, there is plenty of work for the ARG to do. If you can support our volunteer efforts, please go to our Support Research page and make a donation.