Black Country given global cultural honour

‘Internationally rich’ geology and key role in the Industrial Revolution is recognised by world body

The Black Country has been recognised for “internationally rich” geology and cultural heritage, joining the Pennines and English Riviera as a Unesco Global Geopark. The award, which follows a 10-year campaign by local authorities, means the region is now on a par with geoparks in countries stretching from Brazil to Iceland. The Black Country’s significant role in the Industrial Revolution was at the heart of the bid, which it is hoped will boost tourism.

THE Black Country has been granted Unesco Global Geopark status alongside the Pennines and English Riviera for “internationally rich” geology and cultural heritage.

The Black Country is now on a par with Unesco Global Geoparks in countries stretching from Brazil to Canada and Iceland to Tanzania, following a 10year project backed by Wolverhampton, Dudley, Walsall and Sandwell councils.

Geopark status means the area is recognised for the many world-class natural and important cultural features in the Black Country and how they come to tell the story of the landscape and the people that live within it.

The world’s first industrial landscape is the UK’S eighth Global Geopark and the new status means it is acknowledged for its active partnerships to conserve, manage and promote local geology and heritage. It joins the Eng- lish Riviera in Devon; Fforest Fawr in Cardiff; Anglesey, off the north coast of Wales; North Pennines, which run between Carlisle and Darlington; Northwest Highlands in Scotland; the Marble Arch Caves in County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland; and Shetland in the Northern Isles of Scotland.

The area’s significant role in the Industrial Revolution was at the heart of the bid, which involved more than 40 “geosites”, including Dudley and Wolverhampton Museums, Wrens Nest National Nature Reserve, Sandwell Valley, Red House Glass Cone, Bantock Park and Walsall Arboretum.

Matthew Lodge, UK Permanent Delegate to Unesco from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, said: “I am delighted that the Black Country has become the UK’S eighth Unesco Global Geopark, joining the UK’S exceptional network of Unesco designations.

“With geology stretching back 428 million years, and a landscape and heritage that shaped the modern world during the Industrial Revolution, it is right that the Black Country is given this prestigious UN status.”

The Black Country is home to around one million people and is believed to take its name from the smoke and soot generated by heavy industries during the Industrial Revolution.

Councillor Patrick Harley, leader of Dudley Council, said: “I couldn’t be prouder of what has been achieved. Our region is renowned for being a driving force during the Industrial Revolution and this status recognises the importance our geological heritage played at the time and how it defined this area.

“Becoming a Unesco Global Geopark really puts us on the world map and gives us the opportunity to tell our story to the world and celebrate the many sites and features that we are so fortunate to have.”

Tony Juniper, the chairman of Natural England, said: “Today is a landmark achievement which recognises the internationally rich geology and cultural heritage of the Black Country. The move will benefit the environment and boost tourism, as well as providing more people with the opportunity to connect with the natural world.”

Chris Handy, deputy chairman of the Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership, added that he hopes it will encourage people to visit the area, which is going through a “difficult time”.