Natural England - London's Foundations
London's Foundations
15 October 2009
London is tied to its landforms, the rocks under the surface and the geological processes that shape them. Together, they make up London’s geodiversity (the capital’s rich variety of rocks, minerals, soils and landscape).
Geodiversity provides us with raw materials and supplies water. It affects where and how we can build. It determines our wildlife, cultural heritage and sense of place. It is one of our most important assets but one least recognised or valued.
‘London’s Foundations’ – a London Plan Implementation Report - aims to provide a framework for the conservation, enhancement and promotion of the capital’s geodiversity. The London Geodiversity Partnership, chaired by Natural England, will be promoting the implementation report to borough planners over the coming months to make sure the capital’s geodiversity is protected for the benefit of all Londoners.
View the summary document 
View the full London’s Foundations report on the London Plan website
Please contact Jane Wilson, Landscape and Geodiversity Specialist for further information on 0300 060 2773 or email jane.wilson@naturalengland.org.uk
London Regional Landscape Framework
“London’s Natural Signatures”, a new report produced by Natural England, aims to reconnect Londoners with the underlying and often hidden natural landscapes of the city. From the wooded ridges of north London to the marshlands in the east and downs to the south the new report describes twenty two distinct landscape types, each with its own unique identity. Natural England is calling for people to explore the hidden nature of their city and to support its campaign for action to reinforce London’s ‘natural signatures’.
Alison Barnes, Natural England’s London Director added:
"Our Natural Signatures report is designed to open people’s eyes to the natural fabric around which London has been built. The landscapes we have identified have all too often been ignored in the past - by providing design guidelines for each landscape area we are looking to ensure that the regeneration and renewal of London’s urban landscape works with, rather than against, London’s natural character."
For further details or to obtain full copies of the report, please contact Jane Wilson, Landscape and Geodiversity Specialist on 0300 060 2773 or email jane.wilson@naturalengland.org.uk
Please see the executive summary .
The report can also be viewed in sections as pdf downloads