Wain Wath Falls, Keld
© English Nature

What is Geodiversity?

The geodiversity of an area is the whole range of natural and man-made “rock-related” things. From fossils through minerals, rocks and the soils formed from them, geodiversity is the link between the landscape, the people and their culture. It is the foundation of our environment to be cherished and protected.

What is The North Yorkshire Geodiversity Partnership?

Towards the end of 2004 informal approaches were made to a variety of potential partners, considered to have an interest in earth science conservation in North Yorkshire.

Following those initial approaches, in March 2005, the British Geological Survey,  Hanson (now part of the Heidelberg Cement Group), Harrogate Borough Council, Natural England, Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, North Yorkshire County Council, Tarmac Ltd and the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority agreed to form the Steering Group of the North Yorkshire Geodiversity Partnership (NYGP). The British Cave Research Association and the University of Leeds joined the Partnership in 2006.

Aysgarth Falls

The NYGP is working to achieve the following aims and objectives:

Aims:

• To record and, where practicable, conserve and enhance geodiversity within the Partnership Area

• To increase public awareness of, and involvement with, geodiversity

• To contribute to the conservation of geodiversity on a national and international scale.

Norber Erratic Ingleborough
© BGS (NERC)

Objectives:

1. To audit the local geodiversity resources.

2. To evaluate, prioritise actions and set targets for local geodiversity development.

3. Where practical, to promote site-based conservation of those geodiversity resources that:

• are covered by legislation
• are at risk or in decline
• represent the landscape character or local distinctiveness of the local area
• are rare.

4. To embed appropriate local geodiversity targets within community strategies, local action plans, BAPs, LEAPs, and any other plans that impact upon the local geodiversity resource without prejudicing either the statutory responsibilities, or the obligations under the rules of the London Stock Exchange Limited, of the partners.

5. To increase public awareness, understanding and appreciation of the geodiversity and landscape character distinctiveness of the local area.

6. To create a parallel LGS/RIGS group, to identify and designate candidate LGS/RIGS within the local area.

7. To develop Local Geodiversity Action Plans (LGAPs) within the Partnership area.

8. To involve representatives of the local communities, local authorities, conservation agencies and quarry operators, at all stages in the production of the plans.

9. To establish a framework to monitor the implementation of the Geodiversity Action Plans.

10. To investigate the possibility of part of the area becoming a GeoPark with the potential for geotourism.

11. To work towards obtaining appropriate funding to achieve the objectives.