ROCKS LEAFLET PRINT.13.3.07:rocks, fossils and landforms leaflet 9/3/09 15:12 Page 1

around 335 million years ago, Gateside, Ayrshire. Gateside, ago, years million 335 around

Lanarkshire.

Layers of limestone formed in a shallow tropical sea sea tropical shallow a in formed limestone of Layers

foundations and are a major attraction for visitors world-wide. visitors for attraction major a are and foundations Eskers formed during the Ice Age by glacial meltwater rivers, Carstairs, rivers, meltwater glacial by Age Ice the during formed Eskers

Limestone caves at Inchnadamph NNR, North West West North NNR, Inchnadamph at caves Limestone beauty of the Scottish landscape arise from the geological the from arise landscape Scottish the of beauty

and minerals for those who enjoy collecting. The diversity and diversity The collecting. enjoy who those for minerals and The Lewisian gneiss landscape of Iona of landscape gneiss Lewisian The

mountains, coasts and cliffs for walking and climbing; and fossils and climbing; and walking for cliffs and coasts mountains,

walking and swimming; rivers and lochs for fishing and boating; and fishing for lochs and rivers swimming; and walking

changing, rivers flooding and occasional landslides. landslides. occasional and flooding rivers changing, Geodiversity also provides a basis for recreation: beaches for beaches recreation: for basis a provides also Geodiversity

earthquakes shake the ground and we can see the coastline the see can we and ground the shake earthquakes

fossil-bearing strata elsewhere, across Britain and internationally. internationally. and Britain across elsewhere, strata fossil-bearing Scotland's landscape is still evolving. From time to time, mild time, to time From evolving. still is landscape Scotland's

can help tell us how old the rocks are and provide links to other similar other to links provide and are rocks the old how us tell help can

geodiversity of an area. Fossils within a rock exposure, for example, for exposure, rock a within Fossils area. an of geodiversity soils are the basis for Scotland's valued habitats and ecosystems. ecosystems. and habitats valued Scotland's for basis the are soils

cuts, pits and mines offer excellent opportunities to study the study to opportunities excellent offer mines and pits cuts,

form an interface between the geology and biosphere. These biosphere. and geology the between interface an form

Rocky uplands, coastal and river cliffs, old and new quarries, road quarries, new and old cliffs, river and coastal uplands, Rocky

glaciers, transforming them into living and productive soils, that soils, productive and living into them transforming glaciers,

micro-organisms and plants colonised the deposits left by the by left deposits the colonised plants and micro-organisms

our environment, and understand the evolution of life itself. itself. life of evolution the understand and environment, our

At the end of the last glaciation, around 11,500 years ago, years 11,500 around glaciation, last the of end the At

more vulnerable landforms may be entirely destroyed. entirely be may landforms vulnerable more that continue to shape the landscape and influence the quality of quality the influence and landscape the shape to continue that

deposits can sustain a limited level of extraction, smaller and smaller extraction, of level limited a sustain can deposits land, identify the location of natural resources, explain the processes the explain resources, natural of location the identify land,

levels of the land and sea and for alterations to river courses. river to alterations for and sea and land the of levels source of sand and gravel and although the more extensive more the although and gravel and sand of source Earth scientists use our geodiversity to research the origins of the of origins the research to geodiversity our use scientists Earth

commercial afforestation schemes. Some landforms are a rich a are landforms Some schemes. afforestation commercial gravel. They were also responsible for changes in the relative the in changes for responsible also were They gravel.

building or infrastructure development and hidden beneath hidden and development infrastructure or building water and air quality, vital for human life. life. human for vital quality, air and water rocks and laid down deposits of ground-up rock, stones and stones rock, ground-up of deposits down laid and rocks

landscape 'sculptures' can be lost for ever through inappropriate through ever for lost be can 'sculptures' landscape

forestry and natural habitats, and is an important factor in both in factor important an is and habitats, natural and forestry Age glaciers and their meltwater rivers eroded the underlying the eroded rivers meltwater their and glaciers Age

often strongly influence the local landscape character. Such character. landscape local the influence strongly often cement; and flagstone for paving. The soil supports crops, supports soil The paving. for flagstone and cement;

and moulded many of the landforms we see today. These Ice These today. see we landforms the of many moulded and

These landforms include moraines, eskers and drumlins which drumlins and eskers moraines, include landforms These granite for concrete; sandstone for building; limestone for limestone building; for sandstone concrete; for granite

Over the last two and a half million years, vast ice sheets carved sheets ice vast years, million half a and two last the Over

processes, such as glaciation, that are no longer active today. active longer no are that glaciation, as such processes, coal for fuel; sand for glass; sand and gravel for aggregate; for gravel and sand glass; for sand fuel; for coal

Many of Scotland's landforms are relict features formed by formed features relict are landforms Scotland's of Many Scotland's geodiversity, provides a source of basic raw materials: raw basic of source a provides geodiversity, Scotland's

journey across the face of the Earth. the of face the across journey

deep within the crust and bear witness to Scotland's eventful Scotland's to witness bear and crust the within deep 5. LANDSCAPE LANDSCAPE 5. SCULPTURE IN DEMAND IN A 3. RESOURCE

subjected to enormous temperatures and pressures whilst buried whilst pressures and temperatures enormous to subjected

as fossils within these rocks. Scotland's oldest rocks were rocks oldest Scotland's rocks. these within fossils as

representing the fauna and flora of past geological ages, occur ages, geological past of flora and fauna the representing

scorching deserts. The remains of plants and animals, and plants of remains The deserts. scorching careful planning can help avoid such problems. such avoid help can planning careful

ancient environments as diverse as shallow tropical seas and seas tropical shallow as diverse as environments ancient impact upon soils and landforms. Forethought, consultation and consultation Forethought, landforms. and soils upon impact

rock exposures difficult. Such developments can also have an have also can developments Such difficult. exposures rock volcanoes. Others formed from mud and sand, deposited in deposited sand, and mud from formed Others volcanoes.

plantations and other land uses which make study of important of study make which uses land other and plantations Some of Scotland's rocks formed from molten lava, erupted from erupted lava, molten from formed rocks Scotland's of Some

Rocks in upland areas can be obscured by dense conifer dense by obscured be can areas upland in Rocks

has drifted slowly from south to north across the Equator. Equator. the across north to south from slowly drifted has

scientists and students to study. study. to students and scientists

Scotland from ; and that for 600 million years Scotland years million 600 for that and England; from Scotland

can remain a valuable resource for interpretation and for and interpretation for resource valuable a remain can

once part of North America; that a great ocean once separated once ocean great a that America; North of part once

particularly important rock face. Left unburied, old quarry faces quarry old unburied, Left face. rock important particularly

billion years in the making. This tale reveals that Scotland was Scotland that reveals tale This making. the in years billion quarry can be partially infilled, allowing the retention of a of retention the allowing infilled, partially be can quarry

to unravel a breathtaking tale of how Scotland has been three been has Scotland how of tale breathtaking a unravel to often than not, a compromise can be reached, whereby an old an whereby reached, be can compromise a not, than often

afield. Hutton's discoveries paved the way for later geologists later for way the paved discoveries Hutton's afield. waste is a and damaging afteruse. However, more However, afteruse. damaging and common a is waste

exposure valuable for research and education. The disposal of disposal The education. and research for valuable exposure and farmer, investigated the rocks around Scotland and further and Scotland around rocks the investigated farmer, and

The afteruse of disused quarries can lead to the loss of rock of loss the to lead can quarries disused of afteruse The over 200 years ago when James Hutton, an doctor Edinburgh an Hutton, James when ago years 200 over

landforms in the world. The science of geology was born here born was geology of science The world. the in landforms

pressures and changes in land use. use. land in changes and pressures

For its size, Scotland has the most diverse geology and geology diverse most the has Scotland size, its For

nevertheless irreplaceable and vulnerable to development to vulnerable and irreplaceable nevertheless

Apparently solid and fixed for all time, Scotland's geodiversity is geodiversity Scotland's time, all for fixed and solid Apparently

EARTH HISTORY EARTH

4. ROCK HARD BUT BUT HARD ROCK 4. VULNERABLE 2. THREE BILLION YEARS OF OF YEARS BILLION THREE 2.

useful publications and websites

This series of SNH booklets interprets the landscape and geology of Scotland. Titles to date are: Scotland, Edinburgh and , Skye, , Loch to , and , and the Borders, Arran and the Clyde Islands, Glen Roy, Mull and Iona, and , Northwest Highlands, Rum and the , and Ayrshire, SCOTLAND’S and Glencoe, Western Isles. This series of SNH booklets looks at GEODIVERSITY habitats, how they developed and the wildlife they support. Titles to date of Earth heritage interest include: Soils, Coasts.

A twice-yearly magazine containing articles on Earth heritage conservation from Britain and abroad, as well as news of recent developments in interpretation and notices of the latest publications. It is aimed at all with an interest or involvement in Earth heritage conservation and interpretation.

Local Nature Conservation Site Working Group 2006. Guidance on Establishing and Managing Local Nature Conservation Sites in Scotland SNH. ISBN 1 85397 477 3.

Educational resource from the Macaulay Institute on ‘Introducing soils’, ‘Exploring Scotland’ and ‘The Machair’ http://www.macaulay.ac.uk/soilquality/SQ_education.php

Copies of SNH publications may be ordered from SNH Publications, Battleby, Redgorton, Perth, PH1 3EW, or online at www.snh.org.uk/pubs. The raised beach backing the shore at Gruinard Bay, with hills of Lewisian gneiss and mountains of Torridonian sandstone behind. www.ukrigs.org.uk Website of the Association of UK RIGS Groups which includes information to enable the setting up of a group.

www.scottishgeology.com CONSERVING OUR EARTH HERITAGE The gateway to Scottish geology on the web. 1. FOUNDATIONS OF THE LANDSCAPE www.snh.org.uk Website of Scottish Natural Heritage.

Earth Science Group, Scottish Natural Heritage, House, For a small country, Scotland has a remarkable diversity of rocks, fossils, landforms and soils. This 'geodiversity' is the result of a rich and varied Leachkin Road, , IV3 8NW. Tel: 01463 725000 geological history, spanning some 3 billion years of the Earth's existence, and forms an Earth heritage asset of national and international Printed on environmentally friendly paper importance. It illustrates a wonderful story of how colliding continents, ancient volcanoes, powerful glaciers and changing climates have shaped CC5k0309 the landscapes and scenery we value today, how different life-forms have evolved and how rivers, floods and sea-level changes are continuing to alter the land surface. Scotland's rocks, fossils, landforms and soils have played an important part in our understanding of the Earth. They also form the foundation upon which plants, animals and people live and interact.

This leaflet illustrates the diversity of Scotland's Earth heritage, the pressures upon it and the steps being taken to conserve it and promote its wider understanding.

Cover photograph: Glaciated mountains, Coire Ardair, Creag Meagaidh. ROCKS,FOSSILS, LANDFORMS AND SOILS

ROCKS LEAFLET PRINT.13.3.07:rocks, fossils and landforms leaflet 9/3/09 15:12 Page 1

around 335 million years ago, Gateside, Ayrshire. Gateside, ago, years million 335 around

Lanarkshire.

Layers of limestone formed in a shallow tropical sea sea tropical shallow a in formed limestone of Layers

foundations and are a major attraction for visitors world-wide. visitors for attraction major a are and foundations Eskers formed during the Ice Age by glacial meltwater rivers, Carstairs, rivers, meltwater glacial by Age Ice the during formed Eskers

Limestone caves at Inchnadamph NNR, North West Scotland West North NNR, Inchnadamph at caves Limestone beauty of the Scottish landscape arise from the geological the from arise landscape Scottish the of beauty

and minerals for those who enjoy collecting. The diversity and diversity The collecting. enjoy who those for minerals and The Lewisian gneiss landscape of Iona of landscape gneiss Lewisian The

mountains, coasts and cliffs for walking and climbing; and fossils and climbing; and walking for cliffs and coasts mountains,

walking and swimming; rivers and lochs for fishing and boating; and fishing for lochs and rivers swimming; and walking

changing, rivers flooding and occasional landslides. landslides. occasional and flooding rivers changing, Geodiversity also provides a basis for recreation: beaches for beaches recreation: for basis a provides also Geodiversity

earthquakes shake the ground and we can see the coastline the see can we and ground the shake earthquakes

fossil-bearing strata elsewhere, across Britain and internationally. internationally. and Britain across elsewhere, strata fossil-bearing Scotland's landscape is still evolving. From time to time, mild time, to time From evolving. still is landscape Scotland's

can help tell us how old the rocks are and provide links to other similar other to links provide and are rocks the old how us tell help can

geodiversity of an area. Fossils within a rock exposure, for example, for exposure, rock a within Fossils area. an of geodiversity soils are the basis for Scotland's valued habitats and ecosystems. ecosystems. and habitats valued Scotland's for basis the are soils

cuts, pits and mines offer excellent opportunities to study the study to opportunities excellent offer mines and pits cuts,

form an interface between the geology and biosphere. These biosphere. and geology the between interface an form

Rocky uplands, coastal and river cliffs, old and new quarries, road quarries, new and old cliffs, river and coastal uplands, Rocky

glaciers, transforming them into living and productive soils, that soils, productive and living into them transforming glaciers,

micro-organisms and plants colonised the deposits left by the by left deposits the colonised plants and micro-organisms

our environment, and understand the evolution of life itself. itself. life of evolution the understand and environment, our

At the end of the last glaciation, around 11,500 years ago, years 11,500 around glaciation, last the of end the At

more vulnerable landforms may be entirely destroyed. entirely be may landforms vulnerable more that continue to shape the landscape and influence the quality of quality the influence and landscape the shape to continue that

deposits can sustain a limited level of extraction, smaller and smaller extraction, of level limited a sustain can deposits land, identify the location of natural resources, explain the processes the explain resources, natural of location the identify land,

levels of the land and sea and for alterations to river courses. river to alterations for and sea and land the of levels source of sand and gravel and although the more extensive more the although and gravel and sand of source Earth scientists use our geodiversity to research the origins of the of origins the research to geodiversity our use scientists Earth

commercial afforestation schemes. Some landforms are a rich a are landforms Some schemes. afforestation commercial gravel. They were also responsible for changes in the relative the in changes for responsible also were They gravel.

building or infrastructure development and hidden beneath hidden and development infrastructure or building water and air quality, vital for human life. life. human for vital quality, air and water rocks and laid down deposits of ground-up rock, stones and stones rock, ground-up of deposits down laid and rocks

landscape 'sculptures' can be lost for ever through inappropriate through ever for lost be can 'sculptures' landscape

forestry and natural habitats, and is an important factor in both in factor important an is and habitats, natural and forestry Age glaciers and their meltwater rivers eroded the underlying the eroded rivers meltwater their and glaciers Age

often strongly influence the local landscape character. Such character. landscape local the influence strongly often cement; and flagstone for paving. The soil supports crops, supports soil The paving. for flagstone and cement;

and moulded many of the landforms we see today. These Ice These today. see we landforms the of many moulded and

These landforms include moraines, eskers and drumlins which drumlins and eskers moraines, include landforms These granite for concrete; sandstone for building; limestone for limestone building; for sandstone concrete; for granite

Over the last two and a half million years, vast ice sheets carved sheets ice vast years, million half a and two last the Over

processes, such as glaciation, that are no longer active today. active longer no are that glaciation, as such processes, coal for fuel; sand for glass; sand and gravel for aggregate; for gravel and sand glass; for sand fuel; for coal

Many of Scotland's landforms are relict features formed by formed features relict are landforms Scotland's of Many Scotland's geodiversity, provides a source of basic raw materials: raw basic of source a provides geodiversity, Scotland's

journey across the face of the Earth. the of face the across journey

deep within the crust and bear witness to Scotland's eventful Scotland's to witness bear and crust the within deep 5. LANDSCAPE LANDSCAPE 5. SCULPTURE IN DEMAND IN A 3. RESOURCE

subjected to enormous temperatures and pressures whilst buried whilst pressures and temperatures enormous to subjected

as fossils within these rocks. Scotland's oldest rocks were rocks oldest Scotland's rocks. these within fossils as

representing the fauna and flora of past geological ages, occur ages, geological past of flora and fauna the representing

scorching deserts. The remains of plants and animals, and plants of remains The deserts. scorching careful planning can help avoid such problems. such avoid help can planning careful

ancient environments as diverse as shallow tropical seas and seas tropical shallow as diverse as environments ancient impact upon soils and landforms. Forethought, consultation and consultation Forethought, landforms. and soils upon impact

rock exposures difficult. Such developments can also have an have also can developments Such difficult. exposures rock volcanoes. Others formed from mud and sand, deposited in deposited sand, and mud from formed Others volcanoes.

plantations and other land uses which make study of important of study make which uses land other and plantations Some of Scotland's rocks formed from molten lava, erupted from erupted lava, molten from formed rocks Scotland's of Some

Rocks in upland areas can be obscured by dense conifer dense by obscured be can areas upland in Rocks

has drifted slowly from south to north across the Equator. Equator. the across north to south from slowly drifted has

scientists and students to study. study. to students and scientists

Scotland from England; and that for 600 million years Scotland years million 600 for that and England; from Scotland

can remain a valuable resource for interpretation and for and interpretation for resource valuable a remain can

once part of North America; that a great ocean once separated once ocean great a that America; North of part once

particularly important rock face. Left unburied, old quarry faces quarry old unburied, Left face. rock important particularly

billion years in the making. This tale reveals that Scotland was Scotland that reveals tale This making. the in years billion quarry can be partially infilled, allowing the retention of a of retention the allowing infilled, partially be can quarry

to unravel a breathtaking tale of how Scotland has been three been has Scotland how of tale breathtaking a unravel to often than not, a compromise can be reached, whereby an old an whereby reached, be can compromise a not, than often

afield. Hutton's discoveries paved the way for later geologists later for way the paved discoveries Hutton's afield. waste is a common and damaging afteruse. However, more However, afteruse. damaging and common a is waste

exposure valuable for research and education. The disposal of disposal The education. and research for valuable exposure and farmer, investigated the rocks around Scotland and further and Scotland around rocks the investigated farmer, and

The afteruse of disused quarries can lead to the loss of rock of loss the to lead can quarries disused of afteruse The over 200 years ago when James Hutton, an Edinburgh doctor Edinburgh an Hutton, James when ago years 200 over

landforms in the world. The science of geology was born here born was geology of science The world. the in landforms

pressures and changes in land use. use. land in changes and pressures

For its size, Scotland has the most diverse geology and geology diverse most the has Scotland size, its For

nevertheless irreplaceable and vulnerable to development to vulnerable and irreplaceable nevertheless

Apparently solid and fixed for all time, Scotland's geodiversity is geodiversity Scotland's time, all for fixed and solid Apparently

EARTH HISTORY EARTH

4. ROCK HARD BUT BUT HARD ROCK 4. VULNERABLE 2. THREE BILLION YEARS OF OF YEARS BILLION THREE 2.

useful publications and websites

This series of SNH booklets interprets the landscape and geology of Scotland. Titles to date are: Scotland, Edinburgh and West Lothian, Skye, Cairngorms, to Stirling, Orkney and Shetland, East Lothian and the Borders, Arran and the Clyde Islands, Glen Roy, Mull and Iona, Fife and Tayside, Northwest Highlands, Rum and the Small Isles, Glasgow and Ayrshire, SCOTLAND’S Ben Nevis and Glencoe, Western Isles. This series of SNH booklets looks at GEODIVERSITY habitats, how they developed and the wildlife they support. Titles to date of Earth heritage interest include: Soils, Coasts.

A twice-yearly magazine containing articles on Earth heritage conservation from Britain and abroad, as well as news of recent developments in interpretation and notices of the latest publications. It is aimed at all with an interest or involvement in Earth heritage conservation and interpretation.

Local Nature Conservation Site Working Group 2006. Guidance on Establishing and Managing Local Nature Conservation Sites in Scotland SNH. ISBN 1 85397 477 3.

Educational resource from the Macaulay Institute on ‘Introducing soils’, ‘Exploring Scotland’ and ‘The Machair’ http://www.macaulay.ac.uk/soilquality/SQ_education.php

Copies of SNH publications may be ordered from SNH Publications, Battleby, Redgorton, Perth, PH1 3EW, or online at www.snh.org.uk/pubs. The raised beach backing the shore at Gruinard Bay, with hills of Lewisian gneiss and mountains of Torridonian sandstone behind. www.ukrigs.org.uk Website of the Association of UK RIGS Groups which includes information to enable the setting up of a group.

www.scottishgeology.com CONSERVING OUR EARTH HERITAGE The gateway to Scottish geology on the web. 1. FOUNDATIONS OF THE LANDSCAPE www.snh.org.uk Website of Scottish Natural Heritage.

Earth Science Group, Scottish Natural Heritage, Great Glen House, For a small country, Scotland has a remarkable diversity of rocks, fossils, landforms and soils. This 'geodiversity' is the result of a rich and varied Leachkin Road, Inverness, IV3 8NW. Tel: 01463 725000 geological history, spanning some 3 billion years of the Earth's existence, and forms an Earth heritage asset of national and international Printed on environmentally friendly paper importance. It illustrates a wonderful story of how colliding continents, ancient volcanoes, powerful glaciers and changing climates have shaped CC5k0309 the landscapes and scenery we value today, how different life-forms have evolved and how rivers, floods and sea-level changes are continuing to alter the land surface. Scotland's rocks, fossils, landforms and soils have played an important part in our understanding of the Earth. They also form the foundation upon which plants, animals and people live and interact.

This leaflet illustrates the diversity of Scotland's Earth heritage, the pressures upon it and the steps being taken to conserve it and promote its wider understanding.

Cover photograph: Glaciated mountains, Coire Ardair, Creag Meagaidh. ROCKS,FOSSILS, LANDFORMS AND SOILS ROCKS LEAFLET PRINT.13.3.07:rocks, fossils and landforms leaflet 9/3/09 15:12 Page 2

6. DYNAMIC LANDSCAPES 12. WHAT CAN I DO TO HELP?

Rivers and coasts are dynamic environments, continually changing in response to variations in weather, land-use and the supply of sediment. This capacity to change, often unpredictably, is one of their most fascinating features. However, it predisposes them to human interference from schemes Everyone - As an individual you may have a favourite site designed to restrict and control their natural dynamism. Restriction of dynamic rivers and coasts affects water and sediment flows which can destroy which the owner may allow you to manage. You can also wildlife habitat and reduce landscape value and diversity. Intervention at one point in a river or coast can have a detrimental knock-on effect at campaign for greater recognition of geodiversity conservation another point in such dynamic landscapes. with politicians, in the media, or with friends and colleagues. In addition, anyone can join or start a RIGS group. Rivers have become increasingly disconnected from their floodplains as a result of floodbank construction to protect land used for agriculture and other purposes. A more sustainable approach would be to restore, in a planned way in appropriate locations, the natural function of floodplains as Site owners - The success of geodiversity conservation temporary floodwater storage areas, thereby helping to reduce the impacts of floods downstream. Creating room for dynamic rivers in this way could depends on the goodwill of site owners. If you own a site with have additional benefits for restoration of natural habitats and naturally help protect towns and villages. an Earth science interest, you can make a major contribution if you manage the site sympathetically and allow access for study In some areas, erosion and retreat of the coastal edge, which is under attack by the sea, needs to be controlled to prevent loss of valuable and interpretation. If you would like to do more or are willing infrastructure. However, there are alternatives to hard rock armour or concrete defences which permanently obscure rock exposures and may have to support site improvements, your help will be warmly adverse 'knock-on' effects along the coast. 'Soft' defences or nearshore rock mounds may reduce wave energy sufficiently to prevent major coastal welcomed. retreat, yet allow the gentle erosion needed to maintain coastal rock exposure and a natural looking coastline. Museums - As the storehouses of the nation's rock and fossil collections, museums can actively promote responsible fossil and mineral collecting, through interpretive and educational projects. 8. ENDANGERED FOSSIL SPECIES Universities - Universities are centres of excellence in Earth Flooding of the River Earn and its floodplain, . sciences and can have an important role in the conservation of sites in their areas. Staff and students can participate in RIGS Fossils provide an invaluable insight into biological evolution and ancient environments and groups, with departments providing advice and support for Earth fossil collecting is an exciting and rewarding hobby enjoyed by many. However, science conservation nationwide. 7. ENVIRONMENTAL ARCHIVES irresponsible collecting and thoughtlessness by some collectors can, at certain vulnerable sites, threaten the destruction of an irreplaceable resource. Fossil Planners - Planners and councillors have a vital role in collectors should follow the guidance contained in the Scottish Fossil Code. The history of landscape evolution since the end of the last protecting geological and geomorphological sites. When glaciation is contained in the layers of sediment that have preparing development plans and assessing applications for accumulated within peat bogs and on the floors of lochs. Pollen, planning permission, you have an important opportunity to plant fragments and insect remains preserved in these natural ensure the protection of our Earth heritage. The preparation of archives have revealed much about environmental change, a Geodiversity Audit and Action Plan will help with this. climate history and vegetation growth. The impact of human activity on the landscape through woodland clearance, soil Quarry operators - Access to sites by properly equipped erosion and acidification of water bodies is also recorded. Such researchers, working within agreed safety rules, is vital for the archives are vulnerable to land improvement changes, especially study of Earth science. But final faces of quarries are often drainage of bogs and commercial peat extraction. inaccessible or unsafe. making research difficult and . Limited smooth blasting and leaving selected parts of the face as A fossil fern frond five-metre steps can produce ideal study sites with clear and accessible rock faces at little extra cost, especially if this is planned when the interest of the site is realised. Such conservation initiatives could follow the preparation of a Geodiversity Action Plan.

9. SOILS AND LIVING LANDSCAPES Landfill operators - Landfill in pits or quarries can bury unique geological features. Total loss can often be avoided by leaving a face clear, but this costs money and has to be properly Scottish soils evolved from the bedrock and glacial deposits on designed. Making a financial or practical contribution in this which they rest, under the influence of a range of climatic, way helps conservation, and in some cases SNH may be able to topographic and biological conditions. Since the last glaciation, assist. human activity has adapted the properties of soil for food production and animal husbandry. Soil is a fragile natural Geologists and geomorphologists - As specialists you are resource, and is susceptible to damage and loss. However, probably keen to conserve sites. Here are some of the many under suitable management the soil can enhance biodiversity ways you can help. and reduce the impact of natural and human-driven changes. • Join or start a local RIGS group. Soils are a vital part of the natural environment and rural economy. They underpin the distribution of plant and animal • Give SNH the benefit of your knowledge of particular sites - species but also act as storehouse of cultural and archaeological this is invaluable and much appreciated. artefacts and other remains. They influence the character of our landscapes and have a vital role in controlling the flow and • Always respect the interests of owners when visiting a quality of water. Scottish soils also have a high content of location. Ask permission to visit and remember time spent organic matter and therefore have an impact on climate change explaining the significance of a site and the need for its through the storage and emission of carbon dioxide and other conservation to owners, planners and other interested Quartzite screes at NNR, . greenhouse gases. groups is never time wasted. Blanket bog on deep peat soil, Claish Moss NNR, • Think before you hammer, and sample responsibly, following 10. PROTECTING THE BEST the Code of Conduct for Rock Coring. Thoughtless core sampling has disfigured classic outcrops. Leave the site in the condition you found it. Respect the wishes of others to SNH is responsible for the conservation and enhancement of a network of Earth science Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs), which includes 11. THE WIDER LANDSCAPE visit the site and make the same discoveries. the very best Earth heritage features in Scotland. They were chosen to represent the key stages in the evolution of Scotland's landscape over its three billion year history. When required, SNH provides advice on their management to land owners, local authority planners and other government agencies. Where appropriate, it supports work to enhance the value of SSSIs, for example through the clearing of rubbish from rock Geodiversity is not confined within the narrow boundaries of exposures. SSSIs but is present across the whole landscape where the same pressures apply. SNH therefore promotes the conservation and Some developments are potentially damaging to Earth science SSSIs, but if consultations take place at an early stage, SNH may be able to offer enhancement of the geology, landforms and soils of Scotland advice on ways to safeguard the key interest. generally and promotes the holistic management of the natural heritage. This means working with landowners, planners and Besides the statutory protection of SSSIs, Local Nature Conservation Site (LNCS) status helps to conserve other important localities. Local other government agencies to ensure that the value of the Earth geodiversity sites are selected by Regionally Important Geological / Geomorphological Sites (RIGS) groups. RIGS groups are run on a voluntary heritage is recognised in land management and planning basis through the participation of wildlife trusts, museums, geological societies, teachers, planners and site owners and individuals. There are decisions and that these decisions are based on an further details about LNCS systems and RIGS groups at the end of the leaflet. understanding of physical processes.

SNH supports the production of Local Geodiversity Action Plans The Rum are the eroded remains of a volcano, active when scotland split from North America as the North formed 60 million years ago. and has assisted the development of Geoparks in Scotland. Support is provided for RIGS groups and others through grant- aid for the development of projects involving geodiversity interpretation.

Gneiss formed by the metamorphic alteration of sand and silt, Loch Monar

Staffa, off the West Coast of Mull, the eroded remains of a 60 million year old lava flow.