Landscape and geodiversity
Unsurprisingly, London is characterised more by its townscapes and buildings than by its natural landscapes.
The spread of London has largely confined areas of open countryside to its fringes. Nevertheless, the underlying geology and topography of the city can still be discerned and many natural features such as river valleys and ridges, although constrained and enclosed by the built environment, are traceable amidst and beneath suburbia. The River Thames and its numerous tributaries form a major landscape feature which has shaped the history and identity of the capital.
The European Landscape Convention promotes landscape protection, management and planning. It encourages public engagement and stakeholder involvement to develop a wider understanding and appreciation of all landscapes. Consequently, London’s landscapes should be characterised as much by natural areas (heaths, commons, rivers, floodplains etc) as by iconic built localities (e.g. Docklands).
Under the surface of the capital, the rocks and the geological processes that shape them together make up London’s geodiversity. Geodiversity provides raw materials and supplies water; it affects where and how we can build; it determines biodiversity, cultural heritage and a sense of place. Seven of London’s SSSIs (Abbey Wood, Elmstead Pit, Gilbert’s Pit, Harefield Pit, Harrow Weald, Hornchurch Cutting and Wansunt Pit) are designated for their geological importance. However, there is limited awareness of London’s geodiversity and London is the only region that does not have an established network of Regionally Important Geological/ geomorphological Sites (RIGS).
London’s Natural Signature
In order to reconnect Londoners with the underlying and often hidden nature of the city, London has produced a report, “London’s Natural Signature” to help create new local identities based on the geology, ecology and landforms of London. The report seeks to provide a tool for planners and developers to ensure that these landscapes are more clearly reflected within the regeneration and renewal of the capital.
London Geodiversity Partnership
Natural England chairs the London Geodiversity Partnership, which seeks to share good practice, influence policy and establish cross-London working for geodiversity. The partnership includes representatives of the Greater London Authority, Natural England, British Geological Survey, Government Office for London, London Biodiversity Partnership, London Boroughs of Lambeth and Hillingdon, Society of Geologists, Harrow and Hillingdon Geological Society, South London RIGS Group, Geologists’ Association, London Open University Geological Society and Queen Mary College, University of London and the Essex Rock and Mineral Society.
The Partnership has published ‘London’s Foundations’, a London Plan Implementation Report, which seeks to provide a framework for the conservation, enhancement and promotion of the capital’s geodiversity. It recommends that fourteen Regionally Important Geological Sites (RIGS) are set up across the capital.
Current Projects and Initiatives
| London Regional Landscape Framework | |
|---|---|
| Summary description | London’s Natural Signatures, the London Regional Landscape Framework aims to reconnect Londoners with the underlying and often hidden natural landscapes of the capital. 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 natural landscape areas, each with its own unique identity. By highlighting key influences and providing design clues for each area the report will help to ensure that the regeneration and renewal of London’s urban landscape works with, rather than against, London’s natural character. |
| Latest update/progress | The final report of London’s Foundations was published in May 2010 incorporating the results of written consultation and workshops for stakeholders. |
| Supporting documents from NE | London’s Natural Signatures, the London Regional Landscape Framework has been broken down into chapters on CD. Contact Jane Wilson for further information |
| Further information/web-links | |
| London Geodiversity Partnership | |
|---|---|
| Summary description | The London Geodiversity Partnership seeks to share good practice, influence policy and establish cross-London working for geodiversity. In 2009 the Partnership, working with the GLA, published ‘London’s Foundations’, a London Plan Implementation Report, which seeks to provide a framework for the conservation, enhancement and promotion of the capital’s geodiversity. It recommends that fourteen Regionally Important Geological Sites (RIGS) are set up across the capital. More recently the partnership has produced the London Geodiversity Action Plan, the first such plan for an urban area. This was launched at Kenwood House, London N6 on 6 October 2010. The Plan provides a framework for understanding, conserving and using the geodiversity of the capital (see link below). |
| Latest update/progress | The London Geodiversity Action Plan was published in October 2010 following widespread consultation. The Plan was produced to raise the value placed on the geodiversity resource in London, and ensure its sustainable use. It aims to provide a framework for understanding, conserving and using the unique wealth of geodiversity resources found within our capital, so that social, economic and environmental benefits are provided to London’s urban communities and many visitors. If you would like to get involved in the activities of the London Geodiversity Partnership please contact Jane Wilson. |
| Supporting documents from NE | London's Geodiversity Action Plan 2009-2013: (2.39mb) |
| Further information/web-links | ‘London’s Foundations’, a London Plan Implementation Report, is available from the GLA website .
London Geodiverity Partnership website and contact. |
