Geodiversity

Geodiversity

Geodiversity is the variety of rocks, minerals, fossils, soils and landscapes, together with the natural processes which form them. It is the link between geology, landscape, biodiversity and people - from where our ancestors first settled to where industry has developed.

Geodiversity Group

Covering the historic county of Lincolnshire, the Geodiversity Group is working towards the survey of locally important geological and geomorphological sites, their designation as Local Geological Sites and the drafting of a local Geodiversity Action Plan.

Geodiversity Action Plans

The UK Geodiversity Action Plan (UKGAP) sets out a framework for geodiversity action across the UK, providing common aims, objectives and targets which link national regional and local activities. It is a mechanism for encouraging partnership, influencing decision and policy makers and funding bodies, as well as promoting good practice. The UKGAP establishes a shared understanding of what is happening and what needs to happen to promote and conserve geodiversity, creating a process for measuring and reporting on progress and, importantly, celebrating success.

The Local Geodiversity Action Plan (LGAP) for the historic county of Lincolnshire is currently being drafted. The aim of the LGAP will be to promote action to conserve and enhance the diverse geological heritage of Lincolnshire whilst promoting and managing the sustainable use of its geodiversity resources.

LGS – Local Geological Sites

LGS are sites that highlight important local geodiversity and heritage. Their function is to protect and manage such interest and, where possible, provide educational opportunities.

Sites may be chosen on the basis of one, some, or all of the following factors: geological features, such as: rock types, sequences and ages, minerals, fossils, geological structures, etc.,geomorphological features, such as hills, valleys, blow wells, inland sand dunes, etc., sites quoted in geological scientific literature, sites of particular significance in the history of geology, sites of particular significance, both past and present, in relation to the extraction industry, such building and decorative stone localities, etc., educational and/or recreational potential of the site

Potentially interesting sites are surveyed by geologists and volunteers in the field and via literature searches. These sites are then assessed against a set of locally applied, nationally agreed criteria by an independent panel. Formal designation of the site comes from the Local Planning Authorities via the planning system.

Designation as a LGS does not mean the site is open to anyone to visit or collect samples. Any activity on the site or public access to it depends on the permission of the landowner/occupier.

Management of the site is undertaken by the landowner/occupier, often with little change to the management practices that are already in place. Recommendations for any special management required will be provided by the Geodiversity Group on a site by site basis. The Geodivesity Group will take full consideration of the wishes of the landowner/occupier, however the group will aim to achieve the best possible management of the site to protect and conserve the geological features present. If a cost is involved, wherever possible, the Geodivesity Group will aim to provide information and advice on grant aid via the local authority or agri-environment schemes that may be suitable for the site. Monitoring of the site is undertaken by the local authority.