Stories of ancient volcanoes and lost coastlines are set to come to life in a new podcast series.
Reading Rocks, written and narrated by Bardon Mill author Ian Jackson, invites listeners to explore the dramatic geology of the North through short, 15 to 20-minute episodes..
Mr Jackson said: "After several requests, I’ve taken the plunge, and the first 12 episodes are now available, with more to follow."
The podcast builds on his Rock Book series, which has helped inspired readers to explore more than 250 geological sites across Northumberland, Newcastle, North Tyneside, County Durham, Teesside, Cumbria, and North Yorkshire.
The books have collectively raised more than £36,000 for charity through the sale of 11,000 copies, including £17,650 for Northumberland Wildlife Trust through the Northumberland Rocks edition.
Mr Jackson said: "I thought it might be informative and fun to theme the stories differently to the books, so the first series of short 15 - 20-minute episodes takes the listener on a journey through time - no Tardis needed -from five hundred million years ago to the present day."
Through narration, he guides listeners across landscapes shaped by ancient volcanoes, sub-tropical swamps, and the force of the last Ice Age.
Mike Pratt, chief executive of Northumberland Wildlife Trust, said: "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 and imagine experiencing those landscapes in their own surroundings.
"And it’s brilliant to hear good science about the North delivered in a northern accent.
"They’re well worth a listen."
The Reading Rocks podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon Music.
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