Official launch of the Cross-Channel Geopark celebrated at inaugural festival with special guests Stephen Clarke and Nick Crane

The Cross-Channel Geopark was officially launched last week during the first-ever Cross-Channel Geopark Festival, held from Thursday 10th to Saturday 12th October 2024 at Château d’Hardelot. This landmark event was a vibrant celebration of the region’s shared geological, cultural, and natural heritage, bringing together people from both sides of the Channel.

Hosted by the Kent Downs National Landscape and the Parc naturel régional des Caps et Marais d’Opale, the festival celebrated the deep-rooted historical connections between the UK and France, coinciding with the 120th anniversary of the Entente Cordiale and the 30th anniversary of the Channel Tunnel. Held at the picturesque Château d’Hardelot, the event welcomed notable guests, including author Stephen Clarke and BBC presenter Nick Crane. Over three days, participants engaged in a series of educational and cultural events, from talks and guided walks to hands-on workshops, all set against the stunning backdrop of this neo-Gothic castle in Pas-de-Calais.

Event highlights: 

• Twin School meeting (October 10th): Over 100 schoolchildren from both sides of the Channel participated in engaging activities, promoting cross-cultural understanding through geology and landscape exploration. 

• Stephen Clarke talk: The acclaimed British journalist and author, captivated audiences with his insightful presentation on the 30th anniversary of the Channel Tunnel and the 120th anniversary of the Entente Cordiale, reflecting on how these milestones have shaped Franco-British relations. 

• Geopark Ambassadors Day (October 11th): French and British Geopark Ambassadors—local champions of the Geopark—came together to exchange knowledge and collaborate on enhancing cross-border cooperation. Through workshops and discussions, they explored ways to promote sustainable tourism, conservation, and education, fostering the region’s cultural and economic potential. 

• Evening with Nick Crane: Celebrated geographer and BBC Coast presenter Nick Crane took participants on a journey through the rich geological history of the region, with a special focus on the iconic White Cliffs. 

• Cross-Channel Geopark Festival (October 12th): Families enjoyed an afternoon filled with activities, including guided walks, sensory nature workshops, live music, and the chance to craft herbal tea from local plants. 

An official reception on Friday 11th October, marked the inauguration of the Cross-Channel Geopark. This exclusive, invitation-only session brought together French and British partners for important institutional exchanges, focussing on cross-border collaboration, conservation initiatives, and the roadmap to achieving UNESCO Global Geopark status. The reception signified the Geopark’s official opening and the beginning of a shared journey towards achieving UNESCO Global Geopark recognition. Eurotunnel, as a key partner, supported the event, underscoring the festival’s commitment to cross-border cooperation.

Speaking on the importance of this milestone, Nick Johannsen FLI, Director at Kent Downs National Landscape and UK Cross-Channel Geopark Lead said: “

“The festival is more than a celebration of our geological heritage; it’s a pledge to conserve and enhance it for future generations. Our goal is to strengthen cross-border collaboration, promoting sustainable tourism, education, and conservation. This marks just the start of our collective journey to showcase the region’s unique natural and cultural heritage as we work towards global UNESCO recognition.”

The launch of the Cross-Channel Geopark marks a significant step towards achieving UNESCO Global Geopark status, recognising the area’s outstanding geological and cultural significance. Spanning two countries, the Geopark tells the story of landscapes shaped by ancient seas and dramatic cliffs, while also celebrating the rich tapestry of communities that have thrived in these regions. As the Cross-Channel Geopark continues to grow, we invite you to join this exciting journey towards UNESCO recognition. 

John Keefe, Chief Corporate and Public Affairs Officer, Getlink adds

“This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Channel Tunnel, one of the most unique infrastructures in the world, and the modern-day representation of the Entente Cordiale, which was signed between France and the United Kingdom 120 years ago this year. The geological features of the seabed in the short Straits, from where 10 million tonnes of chalk was excavated during the Tunnel’s boring process, allowed a dream to materialise and made way for the creation of two extraordinary areas of natural beauty of which we are incredibly proud: Samphire Hoe in Kent and Fond pignon (Gable End) on the Opal Coast.

As the vital link between the UK and France, and as the connector of the Cross-Channel Geoparks, we are passionate about our role. Our heritage is strongly linked to these phenomenal zones and with that, we hold an inherent responsibility and dedicated commitment to work alongside our partners to protect, increase awareness and celebrate these magnificent sites.

This UNESCO Geopark application and inaugural Cross-Channel Geopark festival are additional bonds that will further strengthen the Franco-British friendship.”.

What is a UNESCO Global Geopark?

A UNESCO Global Geopark is a territory recognised for its internationally significant geological heritage. These areas are managed through a holistic approach, integrating protection, education, and sustainable development. The UNESCO Global Geopark label highlights a community-driven ambition, supported by local representatives, residents, and associations, to preserve and promote their territory’s natural and cultural assets for future generations. 

 The Cross-Channel Geopark, spanning both Kent in the UK and Pas-de-Calais in France, is now on track to submit its application for UNESCO Global Geopark status in November 2025. The festival marked the beginning of a year-long journey of collaboration, learning, and celebration of the unique geological features and shared heritage that connect both sides of the Channel. 

Why the Château d’Hardelot?

The beautifully restored neo-Gothic Château d’Hardelot, which served as the festival’s venue, symbolises the deep ties between France and the UK. Home to the Centre Culturel de l’Entente Cordiale, the Château plays a key role in promoting mutual understanding between the two nations. Its rich history and stunning landscapes make it the perfect setting for a celebration of geology, culture, and community.

About Kent Downs

The Kent National Landscape (formerly known as Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) and part of the aspiring UNESCO Cross-Channel Global Geopark is a protected landscape stretching across Kent from the London/Surrey border to the White Cliffs of Dover. The Kent Downs National Landscape team works with a host of organisations and partners to deliver a variety of projects and schemes across the Downs to help conserve and enhance the landscape, nature, local communities, and businesses. 

About the aspiring UNESCO Cross-Channel Global Geopark

Hundreds of thousands of years ago a catastrophic flood swept away the chalk ridge connecting Dover and Calais, carving out the white cliffs of Dover and starting Britain’s history as an island. Yet the Kent and French coasts are still connected today by the layer of chalk which runs below the Channel.

In celebration of the chalk and the channel, we are working to secure UNESCO Cross-Channel Global Geopark status for the Kent Downs National Landscape together with our neighbouring protected landscape in France; the Parc naturel regional des Caps et Marais d’Opale.

The Geopark will include both the protected landscapes and the Channel connecting them, recognising and celebrating the geological connection between us. The Cross-Channel Global Geopark would be the first to be shared by two countries that don’t share a land border!