Natural England - Local Geological Sites

Local Geological Sites

Local Sites are non-statutory areas of local importance for nature conservation that complement nationally and internationally designated geological and wildlife sites. 

King’s Dyke RIGS, near Peterborough, a local geological site

The term Local Geological Site (previously Regionally Important Geological/geological Site (RIGS)), as recommended in the Defra Local Sites Guidance (2006), is now widely adopted.

Local Geological Sites are selected by voluntary geoconservation groups, such as RIGS Groups and Geology Trusts, which are generally formed by county or unitary authority area in England.  

How are sites selected?

The sites are selected on a local basis according to the following nationally agreed criteria:

  • The value of a site for educational purposes in life-long learning

  • The value of a site for study by both amateur and professional Earth scientists

  • The historical value of a site in terms of important advances in Earth science knowledge, events or human exploitation

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

Local Sites - guidance on their identification, selection and management (Defra 2006) provides general guidance on the overall Local Site process.

 

Local Geological Sites are afforded protection through the Local Planning System and Planning Policy Statement 9: biodiversity and geological conservation emphasises the importance of their recognition within Local Development Frameworks.  Alongside this, reporting on the management of Local Geological Sites contributes to the measurement of National Indicator 197 for biodiversity.

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