Date: 12th February 2026

Time: 1:00pm

Location: 2 Royal Avenue, Belfast BT1 1DA

Northern Ireland is home to some of the world’s most extraordinary geological features, from the basalt columns of the Giant’s Causeway to the limestone caves of Fermanagh.

But while biodiversity often takes the spotlight, the rocks, soils, and water systems that shape our landscapes – our geodiversity – are just as vital.

In this talk, Elaine Hooton from The Open University, explores how Northern Ireland’s unique geodiversity benefits our culture, history, and ecosystems, and why understanding this “silent nature” is key to connecting with our local landscapes.