From Adrian Lane, Exeter 383262, January 24, 2008

DEVON County Council is helping to mark 2008 as the International Year of Planet Earth.

The County Council is celebrating the year through its Devon Rocks! webpages to raise awareness of Devon's outstanding geological heritage: http://www.devon.gov.uk/devonrocks

2008 is being proclaimed as the United Nations International Year of Planet Earth. The aim of the initiative is to demonstrate new and exciting ways in which earth sciences can help future generations meet the challenges involved in ensuring a safer and more prosperous world. The global launch is due to take place at the UNESCO headquarters in Paris on February 12 and 13.

From Devon County Council's web pages you can access a listing of geological themed local events being organised by a range of organisations.

Councillor Margaret Rogers, Devon County Council Executive Member for Environment, said: "This is a wonderful opportunity to showcase Devon's wonderful geological heritage. There are many places to visit in the county which highlight the diversity of geology and geomorphology that can be found including our own natural World Heritage Site, the Jurassic Coast, which has already won international acclaim. I hope the Devon Rocks website will help bring geology closer to everyone during this special year."

The Jurassic Coast which extends through East Devon and Dorset is being featured in a Rocks and Fossil Weekend on Saturday (26 January) and Sunday (27 January) on the Jurassic Coast at Charmouth, organised by the Charmouth Heritage Centre. The event includes lectures and guided walks to introduce the science of geology and palaeontology, using Charmouth as a case study. It costs £50 per person (minimum age 15 years). For more details visit www.charmouth.org or you can book by calling 01297 560772.

The Devon Rocks website also allows you to send a geological e-card, browse Discover Devon Geology to plan a day out at one of over 40 geological sites or take a look at the Educational Register of Sites of Geological Interest.

Other events this month include:

"Changing climates, changing landscapes" on Sunday (27 January) 10:30am is an event in the South Devon AONB Programme. Walk around Prawle Point in South Devon to see how changing climates and sea levels have shaped the land, producing today's stunning scenery.

Geologist Mark Walker will meet at East Prawle village green at 10:30am and return around 1:30pm for a lunchtime drink in the pub. You are advised to bring a snack for the 4.5 mile trek which costs £3 for adults and £1 for children. Booking is essential by contacting 01752 897034.

"The Jurassic Coast - A Walk Through Time" from 7:30pm-9pm on Thursday 31 January at The Estuary Room, Darts Farm, Topsham, one in a series of six lectures organised by Bicton College. Professor Chris Wilson, Emeritus Chair of Earth Sciences at the Open University and recently retired Chair of the Jurassic Coast Education Working Group, shares his passion for, and knowledge of, the Jurassic Coast - 95 miles of stunning coastline and the local World Heritage Site. It costs £10 for each individual lecture; £50 for complete series of six. Contact 01395 562311 or e-mail sahill@bicton.ac.uk

Notes to Editors:

Councillor Margaret Rogers, 01297 680384.