Science & Research - Rockall 2011 Expedition - Nick Hancock's Solo Occupation Record Attempt in aid of Help for Heroes

SCIENCE & RESEARCH:

Geology:

I have met with Ken Hitchen of the British Geological Survey, who is also leader of the BGS Rockall Continental Margin Project team. Following our meeting, I have been able confirm that two of my proposed research tasks are yet to be completed:

1. Obtaining a rock sample from Hasselwood Rock and;

2. Establishing the true orientation of Rockall.

Ken also confirmed that the BGS will be happy to process any rock samples I manage to obtain during my stay on the island. Finally, he was able to say with absolute certainty that there is no oil or gas under Rockall itself (although there is significant potential in the adjacent Rockall and Hatton Basins).

Cartography:

The Ordnance Survey have very kindly provided me with a brass survey marker to place on Rockall, and agreed to process any GPS measurements I might take. I have also obtained two detailed maps of Rockall which will aid me in undertaking a GPS survey.

Thanks to a recommendation from the OS, Leica Geosystems have kindly agreed to support me with the loan of a survey-grade GNSS receiver for the duration of my occupation of Rockall, and to provide processing support in conjunction with the offer from Ordnance Survey. It is hoped that with the right weather conditions I should be able to locate and orientate Rockall to the millimetre via cross reference to land based fixed reference points.

Entemology:

The Natural History Museum in London has expressed serious interest in helping me to collect, preserve and identify any insect material I might be able to obtain, and I will hopefully be meeting with them later in the year.

HUNTERIAN

MUSEUM and

ART GALLERY

Geoff Hancock (no relation), Curator of Entomology at the Hunterian Museum in Glasgow, who himself has undertaken studies of invertebrates on St Kilda, has also agreed to provide me with equipment and guidance for collecting any invertebrates on Rockall, to identify them and preserve them for future study.

Botany:

I am hoping to meet with the Algal Group at the Natural History Musem when I visit the Entomologists. Possible research topics and methods will be confirmed at that meeting.

Ornithology:

I am still trying to confirm whether there is any outstanding research into bird life on Rockall which can be undertaken. Having now spoken to several ornitholigal bodies, it would appear that there are no gaps in the seabird distribution record, although any sightings of rare birds would be note worthy.

I have had confirmation that a gannet and a guillemot were spotted brooding on Rockall in 2007, although whether they were successful is unknown. It has been suggested that during my stay, I may be able to ascertain whether shearwaters or petrels breed in crevices on Rockall.

Further Information:

Further scientific information on the Rockall region can be found on the Department of Energy and Climate Change SEA 7 Environmental Report page.