Britain now has nearly 60 years of experience of statutory geological conservation, since the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act of 1949. The government, through official bodies such as the Country Agencies, has traditionally been responsible for protecting geodiversity. Since the early 1990s, however, there has been a marked increase in active geoconservation work, which has been carried out by the Country Agencies, RIGS groups and Geology Trusts, and some Wildlife Trusts and geological societies and organisations.

On a national scale, statutory protection of geodiversity is achieved primarily by designating areas or sites as Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs), National Parks, Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs), and National Nature Reserves (NNRs).

On a more local scale, sites may gain recognition and some protection by being established as Local Nature Reserves or Regionally Important Geodiversity (RIGS) – these have now become known as 'Local Sites'.

Sites may have numerous designations, for example, most GCR sites are SSSIs - and without SSSI status a GCR site does not have any statutory protection. In addition, many AONBs and National Parks may contain SSSIs, NNRs and Local Sites.

There is very little provision for statutory protection of geodiversity on an international scale, aside from World Heritage status. Further information about international initiatives can be found here.

Geodiversity sites are often of great scientific, educational, and recreational value and provide a robust resource from which people can learn about and enjoy nature.

Sites homepage

AONBs

GCR sites

Local Sites - LNRs and RIGS

National Nature Reserves

National Parks

SSSIs