Geoconservation in GeoMôn

Geoconservation is a hot topic – the UK has so much geological heritage in the form of geological exposures, historical locations in the development of geology and important mining/quarrying sites. Many of these are of vital scientific interest, others of important historical significance and many are valued by local communities, schools, amateur groups or university group for field study. Geoconservation in GeoMôn takes many forms, we promote knowledge about important sites to increase interest in them. We report sites to the local planning authorities to ensure they are aware should any planned development affect access. We contribute to statutory authority (Natural Resources Wales) knowledge and the Geological Conservation Review (GCR) scheme. Our sites are mapped onto DataMap Wales the GIS portal for environmental data in Wales.

a significant number of locations have been designated as RIGS

This web page documents our Geoconservation activities in GeoMôn, mainly through the voluntary, non-statutory RIGS (Regionally Important Geodiversity Sites) scheme, where “geological” includes geological and geomorphological sites, under a range of headings such as mineral sites, structural sites, geological periods, Quaternary (Ice Age) sites, soils, landforms etc. The following site descriptions were compiled in the period 2000-2010 and whilst accurate at the time, their importance or geological interpretations may no longer be accurate due to more recent geological explorations, discoveries and interpretations.

GeoMôn staff and volunteers are working through all these sites, checking the condition and where appropriate carrying out site clearance, cleaning etc. Monitoring information will be added to each site description as the work progresses.

Scottish Geology Trust has been very active in mapping all GeoMôn RIGS sites and we recommend visiting their website for greater cla.rity

PLEASE NOTE : Designation as a RIGS site DOES NOT IMPLY PUBLIC ACCESS. Many sites are on private land. The RIGS designation is purely to imply a geological importance to a site. If public access is available, be sure to stay on public access routes and follow the Countryside Code.

Do not damage the geology of these important sites. Follow the Code for Geological Fieldwork as published by the Geological Society of London.

RIGS sites