Site management

Management of geological and geomorphological sites is based upon a sound knowledge of the scientific and educational value of such sites, an understanding of the potential threats (natural and anthropogenic) to the Earth heritage value of the sites, monitoring of the sites where necessary, and direct management if a site has deteriorated to restore it to a better status. In addition, for popular sites which receive large numbers of visitors, there may be a need to balance visitor requirements with conservation needs. Accessibility is important in terms of both a site's sustainability and visitors' health and safety.

Designated sites such as SSSIs are protected to an extent by legislation. In particular, the Countryside and Rights of Way (CRoW) Act (2000) puts the emphasis on positive site management and partnership between the conservation agencies, landowners and occupiers. Sites such as RIGS do not have any formal statutory protection. However, local planning authorities are notified of RIGS, and are encouraged to protect them through the planning process.

Management Plans provide an agreed framework for sustainable management of a particular geological site, suite of sites or area of landscape which has recognised values. They aim to assess the values and the issues and threats affecting the site, to identify the necessary management objectives to be pursued, and to create an implementation strategy.

The development of site inventories with scientifically up-to-date site descriptions, the undertaking of geodiversity audits to assess the wider geodiversity resource, the development of guidelines for use of sites, and the implementation of monitoring programmes to assess site condition all play a part in effective management. For more information about these techniques, click here:

The management of popular palaeontological sites which are subject to fossil-collecting pressure is a particular issue of interest to many. For more information about sustainable management of these sites, click here:

Geodiversity management homepage

Fossil and mineral collecting

Local Geodiversity Action Plans (LGAPs)

Promoting geodiversity

Site management

Other techniques