The designation of local geological sites is one way of recognising and protecting important geodiversity and landscape features for future generations to enjoy.

Geodiversity is defined as
'the variety of rocks, fossils, minerals, landforms, soils and natural processes, such as weathering, erosion and sedimentation, that underlie and determine the character of our natural landscape and environment'

The London Geodiversity Partnership seeks to share good practice, influence policy and establish cross-London working for geodiversity. GiGL is working with the London Geodiversity Partnership to manage data related to the capital's geodiversity sites.

Geological SSSIs
London has SSSIs which were designated due to their geological interest. These sites are protected by government statute.

Regionally Important Geological/geomorphological Sites (RIGS)
RIGS are currently the most important designated sites for geology and geomorphology outside of statutory protected land. They are equivalent to Sites of Metropolitan Importance for Nature Conservation. RIGS represent an important educational, historical and recreational resource.

In London, RIG Sites have been selected by the voluntary organisations South London RIGS, North West London RIGS and GeoEssex. Although not all sites have yet to be formally designated, sites should be protected as set out in Policy 3D.16 of the London Plan.

Locally Important Geological Sites (LIGS)
The London boroughs may also designate certain areas as being of local interest for their geodiversity. They are equivalent to Sites of Borough or Local Importance for Nature Conservation, which are accorded protection commensurate with their borough or local significance.

GiGL holds GIS data for all RIGS and LIGS in Greater London. Click on map for more detail. Each geological site also has a citation, which gives details of its geological interest. Click here for an example.

RIGS/LIGS are designated in three stages:

• Potential RIGS/LIGS are those recommended by the London Geodiversity Partnership and identified in London’s foundations

• Recommended RIGS are those recommended by the London Geodiversity Partnership, identified in London’s foundations and have been through a consultation process with the London boroughs and relevant landowners

• Proposed RIGS/LIGS are those included in draft Borough Development Plan Documents

• Adopted RIGS/LIGS are those identified in adopted Borough Development Plan Documents

The content of RIGS and LIGS citations is reviewed periodically by the London Geodiversity Partnership.

Information on geodiversity sites is available in the data search service. For more information please contact Julie, GiGL's open space data officer, via the contacts page.

More information can be found by clicking the links below:

	London Geodiversity Partnership Website		London Plan Supplementary Planning Guidance		London Geodiversity Partnership Action Plan