Reading Rocks podcast takes listeners back 500m years
The series, called Reading Rocks, explores the dramatic stories beneath the landscapes of northern England and brings to life the volcanic eruptions, tropical swamps and ice ages that have shaped the region.
Narrated by author Ian Jackson, the podcast is inspired by his five-book Rock Book series and is designed to make complex science engaging and accessible.
Ian Jackson said: “After several requests, Iβve taken the plunge and the first twelve episodes are now available, with more to follow.
“I thought it might be informative and fun to theme the stories differently to the books, so the first series of short 15 to 20-minute episodes takes the listener on a journey through time β no Tardis needed β from five hundred million years ago to the present day.”
The Rock Book series, which has sold 11,000 copies and raised more than Β£36,000 for charity, explores more than 250 sites across Northumberland, Newcastle, North Tyneside, County Durham, Teesside, Cumbria and North Yorkshire.
Of the total funds raised, Β£17,650 went to Northumberland Wildlife Trust.
Mike Pratt, chief executive of Northumberland Wildlife Trust, said: “The wonderful thing about the books, and now the podcasts, is that they translate expert scientific knowledge into intelligent, accessible storytelling.
“The books are simple but never simplistic, and the podcasts feel like a conversation in a pub rather than a lecture theatre.
“People who love the outdoors can both learn and imagine experiencing those landscapes in their own surroundings.”
Mr Pratt said: “And itβs brilliant to hear good science about the North delivered in a northern accent.
“Theyβre well worth a listen.”
Listeners can find Reading Rocks on major streaming platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Amazon Music.
The podcast invites people to delve into the geological past and better understand the stories written in the stones beneath their feet.
