Definition

Geodiversity is defined as the natural range of geological (rocks, minerals, fossils), geomorphological (landforms, landscape-shaping processes) and soil features, although some extend the definition to the built (stone) heritage and historical geological literature.

We conserve geodiversity principally for scientific, educational and cultural reasons. UK sites are of international significance, with many geological terms and principles used the world-over developed here.

Source: Joint Nature Conservation Committee

Further Reading

NatureNet - Definitions and Legislation - www.naturenet.net/biodiversity/geodiversity.html

Draft UK Geodiversity Action Plan (UK GAP) - www.geoconservation.com/GCCdocs/UKGAP/

Natural England Research Report No. 560, Local Geodiversity Action Plans - Setting the context for geological conservation by Cynthia Burek and Jac Potter, describes the initial research work behind LGAPs and suggests routes for the LGAP process.

Natural England Research Report No. 601, Local Geodiversity Action Plans - Sharing good practice workshop by Cynthia Burek and Jac Potter, summarises the workshop and examines the common features of the emerging LGAPs. The report also provides case studies of the LGAPs reviewed at the meeting.

Natural England summary leaflet, Local Geodiversity Action Plans - Sharing good practice is also available.

Natural England's report NERR027 Local Geodiversity Action Plans: a review of progress in England summarises progress with developing LGAPs.

Geodiversity Links

• Earth Heritage - Earth Heritage is a magazine produced to stimulate interest in a broad range of geological and landscape conservation issues within the UK and abroad.
• www.ukrigs.org.uk - The Association of UK RIGS provides contact details for local groups and information on locally important geological and geomorphological sites.
• www.bgs.ac.uk - British Geological Survey (BGS) is the world’s longest established national geological survey and a UK centre for earth science information and expertise.
• The Geological Society of London - The Geological Society of London is the UK national society for geoscience. It exists to promote the geosciences and the professional interests of UK geoscientists
• The Geologists’ Association - The Geologists’ Association (GA) is a charitable organization serving the interests of both amateur and professional geologists throughout the UK. The GA provides a wealth of information and support, through a great variety of publications, lectures and field meetings.
• www.nationalstonecentre.org.uk - The NSC homepage
• www.rockwatch.org.uk - Young Geologists Page
• www.jncc.gov.uk - The Joint Nature Conservation Commission (JNCC) is the UK Government's wildlife adviser, undertaking national and international conservation work on biodiversity and geological conservation.

• International Union of Geological Sciences (IUGS)
  Initiator of the GEOSITES project to identify globally significant Earth science sites.

• United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO)
  Working with the IUGS on the GEOSITES project, the joint group aims to provide local, national and global advice on the conservation of geological sites, including those for consideration in the World Heritage List.