Regional Geoparks exist to celebrate extraordinary geological heritage, and it doesn't get much more extraordinary than Radnorshire.

Bounded by Builth Wells, Llandrindod Wells, and Llandegley, the Builth-Llandrindod Inlier is the remains of an ancient volcanic island that was active some 460 million years ago, and which has shaped the landscape, wildlife and even human history. Around that island, life thrived and was buried in mud, sand and volcanic ash, making it the home of numerous important fossil sites. This includes the incredible location known as Castle Bank, which made global headlines last year.

The Heart of Wales Geopark has been established as a charity with the purpose of helping locals and visitors understand this geology, the fossils, and its links between the rocks and other aspects of heritage. Based on experience elsewhere it is likely to encourage more visitors to the area and help support local businesses.

Llandrindod County Councillor, and Geopark trustee, Pete Roberts said: “Without the Builth inlier there would be no Llandrindod Wells, the spring water linked to it led to the creation of the town and we hope the Geopark will help put it back on the map as a geotourism attaction.

“Castle Bank has given the area modern recognition but its association with the history of geological discovery stems back over 300 years to the first published description of trilobites. That heritage and its tourism potential is what this initiative hopes to capitalise on”

Unlike a national park or other formal area, the national geopark status is something that is declared without any limitations being imposed on the people who live there. UNESCO do ratify some geoparks under their system, but that would be a bigger decision to be taken much further down the line, if ever.

“It's important to realise that the geopark has no formal legal status, and no-one who lives or works within it will be obliged to change anything at all,” explains Dr Joe Botting, chair of the trustees.

“We're starting small, working with landowners that are keen to be involved, and hope that more people will get involved in future as they see the benefits.”

At this stage the charity has only just formed and has minimal funding, but the team has big plans in terms of what they want to achieve.

There is a website at www.heartofwalesgeopark.org.uk, which is steadily being developed.

The next stages will be leaflets, information boards, trails, displays and educational workshops and events. The initial work was been focused mainly on public locations in Llandrindod, but the group is also working with local businesses and organisations such as Radnor Wildlife Trust, Celf o Gwmpas, the Metropole Hotel, the Fforest Fields campsite, the Pales Meeting House, and others.

The official launch is on Saturday, July 27 starting at the Radnorshire Museum (10am to 1pm) with fossil identification and handling, and from 2pm to 3pm at the Metropole Hotel for the formal opening and talk about the Castle Bank site. From 3pm to 5pm there will be a chance to talk to local heritage organisations and the geopark volunteers. The volunteers are also offering short guided walks of the geology of Llandrindod, at 10:30am and 12 midday, from the museum; however, places will be limited, so please sign up at the museum on the day. There will be more opportunities for walks and events over the summer!

To keep in touch with the geopark's activities, you can explore the website, find them on Facebook, or just look out for events being advertised.