What are Geodiversity and Geoconservation?
Geodiversity is a word used to describe the geological variety of an area. This includes the variety of rocks, fossils, minerals and soils, and all aspects of landscape, cultural and economic activity which results from this variety.

Our lives and environment are very much influenced by geodiversity, from the distribution of mineral resources and water supplies to the pattern of settlements, farming and wildlife. Geodiversity can add to our understanding of the natural and historic environment and can tell us fascinating stories about the history of the Earth, its ancient plant and animal inhabitants, climates and environments. Geodiversity also underpins biodiversity (the variety of life on Earth), with the soil forming the link between them.

Geoconservation concerns the identification and care of sites which make a special contribution to our Earth heritage. It is equally important that regionally important geological materials, such as specimens, documents and records, are cared for properly too. The Geoconservation Commission provides the national framework, promoted within the County by the Shropshire Geological Society, aiming to ensure that we pass this heritage on in good order to future generations for investigation, education and enjoyment. This is achieved by recording, by promoting improved access, and by land management agreements to conserve and, where possible, enhance geological interest.

RIGS
The approach adopted nationally to deal with these issues uses the concept of RIGS (which stands for Regionally Important Geological (and Geomorphological) Sites). It is used as a designation to help to protect the sites that are important to the science of geology both to further our understanding of the processes involved in the evolution of the Earth and to teach the processes we already understand to the next generation of earth scientists. They are designated on the basis of four criteria that are used nationally. These are:

The scientific value of the site for study by both professional and amateur geologists

The historical value of the site in terms of important advances in geological knowledge, events or human exploitation

The value of the site for educational purposes in life long learning

The aesthetic value of a site in the landscape, particularly in relation to promoting public awareness and appreciation of Earth science

In Shropshire these criteria are scored from 0-5. The higher the score the more important the site. Also in Shropshire if a site does not qualify as a RIGS but is still considered a good site for one or more reasons it can be given the status of LIGS or Locally Important Geological (and Geomorphological) Site.

The Shropshire Geodiversity Action Plan (SGAP)
The measures needed to conserve the County's geological heritage are set out in the Geodiversity Action Plan for Shropshire (published in 2007 and reviewed annually), a summary of which is available as a leaflet.

The full Plan is accessible on the Shropshire County Council web site by clicking here.

Why does geology need protecting?
There are many threats to our geological heritage. Whereas mining and quarrying can reveal many important clues (and many quarries now contain RIGS), excavations can also destroy good exposures or make places unsafe to visit. Other threats include infill by rubbish either as a planned landfill site or by illegal dumping, and new building construction, obscuring previously clear and accessible exposures.

Where are RIGS in Shropshire?
There are now over 300 sites designated in Shropshire as RIGS. These vary from small stream exposures containing obscure but very important fossils to large quarries with obvious fossils or structures to 'in your face geology' that can be seen for miles around. Click here for a map to see where these sites are, or here for a searchable list of sites.