Geology Podcast 'Reading Rocks' Brings Northern England's Landscapes to Life
The remarkable success of the Northumberland Rocks book has sparked a fascinating new development in geological storytelling. Author Ian Jackson has now transformed his entire series of five best-selling books into an immersive podcast series titled Reading Rocks. This innovative audio project delves deep into the origins of Northern England's diverse and dramatic landscapes, making complex geological history accessible to everyone.
From Page to Podcast: A New Way to Explore Geology
The original Rock Book series opened a captivating window into the ground beneath our feet, inspiring countless readers to explore more than 250 remarkable locations across Northumberland, Newcastle, North Tyneside, County Durham, Teesside, Cumbria, and North Yorkshire. These books provided detailed guides to geological wonders that many people walk past every day without understanding their significance.
Now, Reading Rocks takes this exploration to the next level by bringing these stories directly to listeners' smartphones and computers. The podcast series vividly brings to life places where listeners can virtually clamber over the remnants of ancient volcanoes, feel the power of long-vanished earthquakes, wander across foreshores that were once subtropical swamps, and witness the dramatic force of the last Ice Age. It serves as an engaging invitation to marvel at the ingenuity of our ancestors who used these very rocks to shape the region's shared heritage and built environment.
Author Ian Jackson Explains the Podcast Creation
Ian Jackson, who serves as both author and narrator of the new podcast series, explains his motivation: "After receiving several requests from readers, I've taken the plunge into podcasting. The first twelve episodes are now available, with more content to follow in the coming months. I thought it might be both informative and entertaining to theme the stories differently from the books, so the first series of short 15-20 minute episodes takes listeners on an incredible journey through time—no Tardis needed—from five hundred million years ago right up to the present day."
This chronological approach allows listeners to understand how Northern England's landscapes evolved over geological epochs, creating a coherent narrative that connects ancient history with contemporary geography.
Expert Praise for Accessible Scientific Storytelling
Mike Pratt, chief executive of Northumberland Wildlife Trust, enthusiastically endorses both the books and the new podcast adaptation: "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 factual information and imagine experiencing those landscapes in their own surroundings. And it's brilliant to hear good science about the North delivered in a genuine northern accent. They're well worth a listen for anyone curious about our natural world."
Charitable Impact and Availability
The charitable dimension of this project adds another layer of significance to its success. All proceeds from Ian Jackson's books are donated to various charitable organizations. To date, an impressive 11,000 copies have been sold, raising more than £36,000 for good causes. Northumberland Rocks alone has generated £17,650 specifically for the Northumberland Wildlife Trust, supporting their vital conservation work across the region.
The Reading Rocks podcast series is now available on multiple major platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon Music, making it easily accessible to listeners across different devices and preferences. This digital expansion ensures that geological education and appreciation can reach an even wider audience than the already successful book series.
