Rock solid recognition for North East geologist
Brian Young rocks up to collect another honour. Tony Henderson reports
Geologist Brian Young is a mine of information about the rocks which have shaped the North East.
So it was a fitting honour when a mineral, discovered in a disused mine, was named after him.
Found in Brownley Hill Mine at Nenthead in the North Pennines, brianyoungite is a lasting legacy for Brian, from Riding Mill in Northumberland.
Now another honour has come Brian’s way after being declared the joint winner of a prestigious conservation award.
Brian shares the Pendlebury Award with Jan Simmonds from Allendale in Northumberland for their contributions to the North Pennines National Landscape and UNESCO Global Geopark.
After retirement from his career as a field geologist and mineralogist with the British Geological Survey, Brian continues to play an active role on the North Pennines Geology Advisory Group, supported the attainment of UNESCO Global Geopark status, and over many years has worked with the National Landscape team to share the area’s world-class geology with a wide audience.
He said: “I feel honoured to be the joint recipient of this year’s Pendlebury Award. My affection for the North Pennines began in my school days when I became fascinated by the local rocks and landscapes, inspiring a career with the British Geological Survey.
“Transferring back to my native North East to research the area’s rocks and minerals, I worked with the newly created North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty to share these geological treasures with others.
“There is still much to investigate in the North Pennines National Landscape, and via an honorary association with Durham University, it remains a continued interest.”
The new mineral was found by chance by Brian’s friend Dr Alec Livingstone, who was head of mineralogy at the Royal Scottish Museum, Edinburgh.
It was among other minerals Brian collected for him from the long-abandoned underground workings at Brownley Hill Mine. Dr Livingstone named the mineral after Brian, with his consent.
Jan Simmonds was chair of the North Pennines AONB Partnership, then later the National Landscape partnership, for seven years until her retirement from the role in 2024.
She represented one of three local community seats on the partnership of local authorities, voluntary and community organisations, and statutory agencies which support the work of the North Pennines National Landscape team.
She said: “Living in the North Pennines it is easy to forget how special it is – to take the cries of lapwing and curlew for granted. To see a red squirrel scampering by the road or an adder coiled on a moorland track, and then there are the rolling hills, the unique geology, the hay meadows, the mining heritage, the dark skies.
“By being involved with the National Landscape I hope I have done a bit to help conserve this special place with all its amazing features and to help both locals and visitors enjoy and understand it better.
“It has also been special to work alongside the National Landscape team of committed, hardworking, enthusiastic and expert staff from whom I have learned such a lot.”
Chris Woodley-Stewart, director of the North Pennines National Landscape team, said: “It’s always a pleasure to recognise those who have played an important part in helping to conserve and enhance natural beauty in the North Pennines through the Pendlebury Award.
“This year’s winners demonstrate that there are many ways that people contribute. Jan gave so much time and commitment in her role as chair, bringing her business experience and her thoughtful consideration of how best to work for nature and communities in the North Pennines.
“Brian has brought expertise in geology that has informed much of our work for many years. This has helped us to interpret the landscape for new audiences to enjoy as well as to celebrate the outstanding geology that lies behind the Geopark designation.”