Local level: geodiversity audits and action plans

The review of steps taken in other parts of the UK to raise the profile of geodiversity in the policy framework (Natural Capital, 2011) suggests that at a local level, the process of geodiversity auditing and action planning would provide a key foundation. In England, geodiversity audits and action plans are increasingly seen as important mechanisms to enable delivery of geodiversity objectives at regional and local levels [Box 7.1]. A vital starting point in understanding an area’s geodiversity is an audit of the most up-to-date available knowledge of its geology, soils, landforms and landscapes, together with the processes and phenomena that have formed them and continue to influence them. Geodiversity audits recognise the value of a wide range of sites and also the importance of landscape elements that are not site bounded.

Geological formations and geomorphological features can be accommodated, along with elements such as museum collections, evidence of mining activity and quarrying (e.g. see Lawrence et al., 2004, 2007; Mayor of London, 2009). This provides the basis for developing Local Geodiversity Action Plans (Burek & Potter, 2002, 2004).

A geodiversity action plan builds upon an audit to determine management requirements for the different geodiversity elements [Box 7.1]. The 'action plan' process defines long-term objectives

and short-term targets and identifies human and financial resources necessary to achieve these. It is based on clear aims and objectives with measurable targets and actions to conserve and enhance the geodiversity of a particular area. Geodiversity Action Plans have, in part, developed from the model of Biodiversity Action Plans (BAPs).

BOX 7.1 Regional Geodiversity Audits and Action Plans

The Northumberland National Park Geodiversity Audit and Action Plan (Lawrence et al., 2007) are a good example of the development of a framework and objectives for the protection and conservation of geodiversity at a regional level. They were developed to provide a framework for informing the sustainable management, planning, conservation and interpretation of all aspects of the geodiversity of the Northumberland National Park and surrounding area. This Geodiversity Action Plan and the objectives it includes offer a good practice example for the development of policy measures for conserving and enhancing geodiversity in Scotland. It includes a number of potentially useful objectives that have wider application. These include to:

 encourage local interest in geology;

 designate and maintain data on important geological sites;

 monitor condition of sites;

 ensure that policies protecting geodiversity are included in local and regional policies and strategies;

 identify and prioritise sites in need of practical conservation management;

 encourage quarry operators to prepare quarry specific GAPs and seek opportunities to report, record, conserve and enhance geodiversity in active quarries;

 encourage awareness and use of local materials for repair and new-build;

 increase public awareness of geodiversity through a range of approaches, including maps and guides, geotourism, guided walks and events, etc;

 provide education and training opportunities for local schools, higher education, builders and architects, local tourist guides, etc;

 promote research into local geodiversity; and

 investigate funding opportunities to sustain the LGAP.

These ‘action-orientated’ objectives provide pointers as to the breadth of coverage of such plans.

Geodiversity audits and Local Geodiversity Action Plans can then be incorporated into the planning system through integration with Local Biodiversity Action Plans. Development plan policies and development control planning decisions could then be based upon up-to-date information about the geodiversity of an area derived from the audit and LGAP. The number of Local Geodiversity Action Plans (LGAPs) in England is rapidly increasing (see Annex B of Natural Capital 2011 for examples). In Scotland, a pilot audit and draft action plan have been prepared for West Lothian Council (Barron et al., 2006), and the two National Parks have included similar initiatives as part of their Park Plans. City of Edinburgh Council has incorporated a geodiversity plan into the Local Biodiversity Plan working in collaboration with Lothian and Borders GeoConservation. The Geoparks are also considering a similar approach (e.g. North West Highlands Geopark, 2008). The West Lothian draft action plan notably includes recommendations to implement a soil sustainability policy, soil management procedures within the Development Control process and a soil action plan. This is clearly an area that could be developed more widely and include appropriate liaison with the British Geological Survey and Local Geoconservation Groups. Similarly, there is scope for the development of company Geodiversity Action Plans (cGAPS), as in parts of the minerals industry in England where there is published guidance (Thompson et al., 2006). For the

voluntary sector, the Scottish Wildlife Trust Geodiversity Policy (Scottish Wildife Trust, 2002) and the National Trust’s Geology Policy (National Trust, 2007) provide model approaches [Box 7.2 and Box 7.3].

BOX 7.2 Scottish WildlifeTrust Geodiversity Policy

The Scottish Wildlife Trust (SWT) recognises that geodiversity is closely linked to biodiversity through the relationship between rocks, soils, habitats and species. The relationship is fundamental - most habitats cannot exist without the supporting medium of soils, and soil cannot form without weathering processes acting on the underlying subsoils and rocks. Rocks, soils and landforms are resources that provide essentials for life. Maintaining geodiversity is therefore as important as maintaining biodiversity, since both are fundamentally linked.

The Trust aims to promote the conservation of geodiversity through its work on its reserves and its support for the Local Geodiversity Sites system (formerly RIGS). In particular:

1. Scottish Wildlife Trust recognises Geodiversity as an essential component of our natural heritage.

2. Scottish Wildlife Trust believes that land management practices should recognise conservation of geodiversity as a major aim and attribute high value and importance to this.

3. Scottish Wildlife Trust will promote education about Geodiversity by raising awareness by means of interpretation on appropriate Reserves and through the promotion of ‘Rockwatch’, the Wildlife Watch club for young geologists.

4. Scottish Wildlife Trust will promote the conservation of Geodiversity through its work on its reserves and its support for the Regionally Important Geological and Geomorphological Sites system (RIGS).

BOX 7.3 National Trust Geology Policy

The National Trust in England and Wales has developed a geology policy (National Trust, 2007). This includes 3 key principles:

 The Trust will care for the natural and cultural geological significance of all its properties.

 The Trust will inform conservation and manage change in the geological environment and its features through learning, identifying, recording, understanding and communicating its significance.

 The Trust will share the geological significance of its properties with members, visitors and stakeholders for all to appreciate and enjoy.

The policy is linked with the Trust’s nature conservation policy and includes a number of management principles that the Trust will adopt on its properties. The Trust’s policy and approach provide a model for other non-statutory land-owning bodies.

Preparation of Local Geodiversity Action Plans will include the identification of Local Geodiversity Sites (LGS) and set out other mechanisms for promoting geodiversity conservation. As well as conserving important examples of local geodiversity and providing a resource for Earth science education, LGS have the potential to contribute to the enjoyment and understanding of local people and to the quality of life of local communities, for example through the Community Planning process which has introduced a new emphasis on community well-being and regeneration. As part of open space or habitat networks, LGS can contribute to the quality of local environments and provide opportunities for informal recreation and wellbeing. Community involvement in the care and enjoyment of LGS will also help to ensure that local people appreciate and take pride in their local geodiversity and thereby help to conserve it and maintain environmental quality.