Engaging the public with geoscience through ‘virtual guided walks’

Scratching the Surface is a set of ten ‘virtual guided walks’ interpreting geology and landscape in the countryside around Swansea, presented as illustrated leaflets supported by a website and ‘live’ talks and guided walks. A summary of the design, planning and execution of the project provides a case study of how public engagement can produce lasting and effective materials that convey an understanding of geology, geodiversity and landscape evolution to non-specialists of all ages, while also contributing to wider social agendas, such as public engagement with science and rural economic wellbeing. This article provides an overview of the project and offers guidelines for using fieldwork to convey an effective public understanding of geology and landscape.