The Black Country has achieved official UNESCO Global Geopark status.
Geopark status recognises the many world-class natural and important cultural features in the Black Country.
Cllr Patrick Harley, leader of Dudley Council, said: ‘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. It also marks the start of an exciting new chapter.
’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.’
More than forty geosites have been selected so far including Dudley and Wolverhampton Museums, Wrens Nest National Nature Reserve, Sandwell Valley, Red House Glass Cone, Bantock Park and Walsall Arboretum.
Photo by Phil Riley
