Book review: Britain’s Geological Heritage: An illustrated guide to Britain’s spectacular geology and landscape, by Robert Westwood
Jon Trevelyan (UK)
Robert Westwood is no stranger to the pages of Deposits. Over the years, I have reviewed several of his geological guides, covering subjects ranging from the Jurassic Coast to Cornwall and the Lake District (ee below). What has always appealed to me about his publications is their combination of excellent colour photography, accessible explanations and an obvious enthusiasm for Britain’s geological heritage. His latest book continues that tradition, but this time takes on the considerably more ambitious task of introducing readers to the geology and landscapes of Britain as a whole.
At just over 100 pages, Britain’s Geological Heritage is a relatively short book, but it covers an impressive amount of ground. Its purpose is not to provide a detailed geological history of Britain, nor is it intended as an academic textbook. Rather, it offers a broad introduction to the geological processes that have shaped the country and the extraordinary variety of rocks and landscapes that have resulted. In doing so, it combines geology with geomorphology, explaining not simply what Britain’s rocks are, but how they came to be where they are and why the landscape looks as it does.
The intended readership is clearly those with little or no previous geological knowledge, together with people who have perhaps begun to take an interest in the subject, through walking, travelling or simply looking more closely at the countryside around them. For all such readers, the book provides an excellent starting point. Westwood writes clearly and engagingly, introducing geological terminology where necessary, without allowing it to dominate the narrative. There is sufficient technical detail to make the explanations informative, but never so much that a newcomer is likely to feel overwhelmed.
The subject matter is wide-ranging. Plate tectonics, the structure of the Earth, geological time, sedimentation, deformation and erosion all find their place, together with explanations of how these processes have contributed to the development of Britain’s varied landscapes. Mountains, valleys, coastlines and other familiar features become considerably more interesting when their geological origins are understood. Although individual subjects are necessarily treated fairly briefly, the overall coverage is remarkably comprehensive for a book of this size. Importantly, the reader is left with an appreciation of how the different processes fit together, rather than simply being presented with a collection of unrelated geological facts.
However, what really distinguishes the book is its photography. It is lavishly illustrated throughout, with colour photographs occupying a substantial proportion of almost every page. Most are large, filling an entire page, and they are of consistently high quality. They show Britain’s geology at its most spectacular, but their value extends well beyond their visual appeal. Westwood uses photographs to illustrate the geological structures and processes being discussed, allowing readers to relate the explanations directly to real landscapes and rock exposures. Photographs of folded strata, for example, make the effects of geological deformation immediately understandable in a way that words alone might struggle to achieve.
This is particularly important in a book intended for beginners. Geology is, after all, an intensely visual subject, and much of its fascination comes from recognising in the landscape the evidence of processes that operated millions, or even hundreds of millions, of years ago. The photographs encourage readers to look more carefully at the rocks and scenery around them, while the accompanying text explains what they are seeing. The result is a book that is as enjoyable to browse through, as it is to read from beginning to end.
I read Britain’s Geological Heritage in a relatively short time and thoroughly enjoyed it. Its brevity is not a disadvantage, provided the reader approaches it with the right expectations. Inevitably, anyone wishing to explore a particular geological period, region or process in greater detail will need to turn to more specialised publications. However, that is not what this book sets out to provide. Its achievement lies in presenting a very broad and potentially complicated subject in a form that is both understandable and enjoyable.
Indeed, one of its strengths is that it provides readers with a foundation on which they can build. Someone who begins with little understanding of geology should finish with a much clearer appreciation of the forces that have shaped Britain, together with the vocabulary and basic knowledge needed to investigate particular subjects further. Equally, those who already possess a little geological knowledge will find it an attractive and useful overview, perhaps introducing them to aspects of the subject they have not previously considered.
I have always believed that one of the best ways of encouraging an interest in geology is to help people understand the landscapes they already know. Once someone begins to recognise the geological history recorded in a cliff face, a hillside or a rocky shoreline, the countryside takes on an entirely different dimension. Robert Westwood’s book succeeds admirably in encouraging precisely that curiosity.
I would happily recommend Britain’s Geological Heritage to anyone taking their first steps into geology, or to those whose growing interest in Britain’s landscapes has prompted them to wonder how they came about. It is an enjoyable, informative and beautifully illustrated introduction to a fascinating subject, and a worthy addition to Westwood’s earlier publications. At £11.99, it also represents excellent value for money, particularly considering the quantity and quality of its colour photography.
About the author
Robert Westwood is a writer, photographer and publisher based in Dorset, with a longstanding interest in Britain’s geology and landscapes. He studied geology at the University of Exeter and has written numerous illustrated guides exploring the geological history and natural heritage of different parts of Britain.
Westwood’s particular strength lies in making geology accessible to readers without specialist knowledge. His books combine clear, concise explanations with extensive colour photography, encouraging readers to appreciate the geological history of the places they visit.
He is associated with Inspiring Places Publishing, which specialises in illustrated publications celebrating Britain’s landscapes and geological heritage.
Other books by Robert Westwood reviewed in Deposits
Over the years, Deposits has reviewed six earlier publications by Robert Westwood, in three separate reviews.
A beautifully illustrated exploration of the Jurassic Coast, using aerial photography to explain the relationship between geological structures and coastal landscapes.
Walking the West Jurassic Coast (2010) and Walking the East Jurassic Coast (2010)
A geological walking guide covering the western section of the Jurassic Coast, from Orcombe Point to the Fleet and a companion guide covering the eastern section, from Portland to Studland. Both books combine walking routes with aerial photography, geological explanations and information about the features encountered along the way.
An illustrated introduction to the rocks, fossils and geological history of the Jurassic Coast; an accessible guide to the geological history of the Lake District, including the processes responsible for its distinctive mountain landscapes; and an introductory guide exploring Cornwall’s geological history, including its granites, mineralisation, mining heritage and distinctive landscapes.
Britain’s Geological Heritage: An Illustrated Guide to Britain’s Spectacular Geology and Landscape, by Robert Westwood, Inspiring Places Publishing (2026), 104 pages (paperback), ISBN: 978-1-0682911-1-1