Contents 'ditorial Palaeolithic archaeology Palaeoli~carchaeology 3 Earth Heritage is continuing to - a geolOgical overlap . evolve. And this is with thanks to those of you (about a third of our Conservation Canadian style a geological overlap readers) who took the time to - what price legislation? ...... 6 complete our questionnaire last Andrew Lawson, Wessex Archaeology summer. Your responses were 'Volcanic Park' he discovery, in 1994, of very positive, with good ideas - a proposed RIGS igneous geology trail in North 9 the way in which the first occupants of Stringer, 1993; Wymer, 1982). Since Britain's earliest human remains Britain lived or precisely when. But at about how we might improve the that event, the major climatic variations has focused attention on the Boxgrove, unlike many other locations, magazine still further. We have Popularizing a jewel in the crown ofScottish geology...... 13 of the Middle and Late Pleistocene, potential of our Quaternary geological stone tools and associated animal bones with consequent cycles ofglaciation already started to introduce some deposits to preserve archaeological lie where they fell and have not been Landscape interpretation for the public in the United States and amelioration, have effected the of these, but the major changes evidence ofinternational importance. disturbed by subsequent glacial or - examples of good practice...... 14 degree ofoccupation of our land and will come with the next issue in The robust human tibia recovered at fluvial action. This type of site is the the preservation of the evidence of January. Boxgrove in West Sussex, during most valuable for placing people in the earlier visits. Evaluating interpretation at Hunstanton 20 controlled archaeological excavation, changing Pleistocene landscape ­ Ifwe are to understand better the You would like more articles has made a major contribution to the archaeological evidence remains in situ, relationship between early people and The Cairngorms debate on the spread of the first people linking geological and landscape closely related to palaeoenvironmental their environments, and the mechanism - geomorphological sensitivity and management of a fragile into Europe and northern latitudes indicators, and buried without by which archaeological evidence was conservation with other aspects of and dynamic mountain landscape (Roberts et al., 1994). 21 disturbance by sediments whose origin incorporated into the geological record, conservation and with Boxgrove, however, is only one of can be accurately deduced. the deposits which potentially hold environmental education. You Rocks, landforms and PPG9 thousands of sites in Britain where Correlation, with radiometric dates, appropriate sites must be distinguished would also like more information archaeological finds of this period have - implications of new planning policy guidance for geological conservation .... 24 between the fauna associated with from those oflesser value. With threats about sites to visit, particularly been made (Roe, 1968). Lower Lower Palaeolithic implements to Quaternary deposits from Palaeolithic artefacts are frequently RIGS (Regionally Important Scotland's first dinosaur 26 (especially certain species of small commercial working of mineral found in river gravels, having been GeologicaV geomorphological - the real one! : . mammals which are indicative of aggregates, from major road and rail washed from their original sites by Sites). To help achieve this, we environmental change) and other schemes, and from burial beneath floods and meltwaters. Interesting have agreed with The Wildlife Strengthening the RIGS lllovelllent European faunas is essential in urban expansion, the best sites will though their discovery may be, they are, Trusts to merge their magazine - the potential for local groups to guide the national direction of determining when Britain and Europe warrant protection, ifnecessary through however, unlikely to give us evidence of Exposure with Ea!"th Heritage from RIGS in England 28 were first occupied (Gamble & the use ofstatutory powers. next January. Book review 30 Finally, we have reviewed our subscription policy in light of Snippets 31 forthcoming changes in our editorial and production process. From Issue 5 Ganuary 1996) onwards, Earth Heritage will be available free, and all those on the Earth Heritage is a twice yearly journal produced for the geological and mailing lists for Earth Heritage and landscape conservation community by English Nature, Scottish Natural Heritage and the Countryside Council for Wales. We would like to thank all Exposure will automatically those who have assisted with the preparation of the magazine. However, the receive a copy. opinions expressed by the contributors are not necessarily those of the above agencies. Contact addresses for the editorial board, to WhOlll offers of We look forward to your support articles frOlll readers should be appropriately directed, are as follows: in the future.

Mike Harley, Managing Editor Managing Editor Mike Harley, English Nature, Northminster House, Peterborough PEl 1UA Telephone 01733318275

Editors Stewart Campbell, Countryside Council for Wales, Plas Penrhos, Ffordd Penrhos, Bangor, Gwynedd LL57 2LQ Telephone 01248 372333 Cover photo: The spectacular desert landfonns of the Valle de la Luna (Valley of the Andy King, English Nature, Northminster House, Moon) in the Chilean Atacama Peterborough PE1 1UA Desert. The dry valleys and gullies Telephone 01733 318294 were created during periodic floods in the Quaternary, although the area now receives virtually no Rob Threadgould, Scottish Natural Heritage, precipitation. Bonnington Bond, 2 Anderson Place, Edinburgh EH6 SNP (Photo by Neil Glasser) The research is being led by Dr John Wymer (left) seen here at Dunbridge, Hampshire - a typical scene of gravel extraction _ with Telephone 0131 446 2453 Phil Harding (right), one of Wessex Archaeology's support team. (Photo by E A Wakefield) 2 • •3 Dr John Wymer, with Phil Harding records an academic advice being exposure at Dunbridge, given by Professor Clive Hampshire. Watching briefs References during extraction can supply Gamble of Southampton valuable new information, Gamble, C.S. & Stringer, C.B. University and the both on the archaeology and 1993. In search of the Neanderthals. periodic meetings of a geology of gravel sequences. Thames and Hudson. panel of experts. (Photo by E A Wakefield) Following an initial study Gamble, C.S. & Wymer, J,J. 1994. of southern England, the The protection ofLower the project, it is intended project is now well into its Palaeolithic sites in Southern stride. In total, it will to collate them into a Britain. In: O'HaIloran, D., Green, take six years to complete single publication in a C., Harley, M., Stanley, M. & Knill, and, by March 1997, a format suitable for wider J. (eds.). Geological and Landscape consistent national picture dissemination. Conservation. Geological Society, will have been created. .The study of Lower London, 443-445. o For the purposes of the Palaeolithic sites marks Owen-John, H. 1995. Geology and survey, England has been the congruence of archaeology in partnership. Earth divided into 12 regions archaeology and geology. Hen'tage, 3, 10-11. broadly based on the .'\, Although specialised drainage pattern of the studies may diverge, there Roberts, M.B., Stringer, C.B. & major rivers, the sizes of is a common aim in the Parfitt, S.A. 1994. A hominid tibia the regions also reflecting from Middle Pleistocene sediments better understanding of the density of known at Boxgrove, UK. Nature, 369, 311­ sites. The six regions the Quaternary. 3. south of the Severn Similarly, there are common goals in the Roe, D.A. 1968. A gazetteer ofthe 11 Estuary and the Thames British Lower and Middle were studied between conservation and 1990 and 1993. The protection of important Palaeolithic sites. Research Report of middle and lower Thames sites. The English Rivers the Councilfor British Archaeology, 8. (Region 7) and the Severn Palaeolithic Survey will Wymer,]. 1982. The Palaeolithic drainage (Region 10) provide the Cornerstone Age. Croom Helun. were studied in 1994/5, for selective the Great Ouse basin conservation (Region 9) and the North region is produced. Each contains a strategies, whether description of the geology and of the of England (Region 12) protection ;/best are currently (1995) being history of discovery, a gazetteer of all implemented through studied, leaving East sites within the region and, crucially, Anglia (Region 8) and the an interpretation and assessment of archaeological or Trent drainage (Region the resource. The main text is geological statutes. It 11) to be studied by backed with appendices on mineral also provides an 1997. extraction and information sources, incomparable database In each area, three as well as explanatory diagrams. A for the study of Lower principal studies are major component of each report is a Palaeolithic sites, either made. First, a database is separate atlas of maps charting the regionally or individually. created of all known extent of geological deposits and the The inclusion of in situ discoveries of Lower sites of archaeological discoveries. Lower Palaeolithic Palaeolithic artefacts ­ Although this approach may seem remains in Quaternary each entry recording fundamental, it has never been deposits is such a rare England is being studied in 12 regions based on the drainage pattern of major rivers and the density provenance, date and achieved on a national scale before event that all such of known sites. circumstances of and serves to place British studies at occurrences should be discovery, source of the forefront of European standards regarded as of national or The English Rivers others who can control land use information, location and of documentation for the period. international importance. Palaeolithic Survey change, including government quantification. These records The reports, each of which Quaternary sediments agencies such as English Nature, local sometimes require verification comprise two regions, are parts of a may well coiuain In England, English Heritage is through visits to find spots or to authorities and landowners (Owen­ longer-term strategy. However, physical structures which responsible for preserving important museums, and through discussions John, 1995). Indeed, it is likely that because of the pressures from give evidence of their archaeological remains and, in respect with other researchers and collectors. the best means of preserving modem development on creation and of Lower Palaeolithic sites, has taken Palaeolithic sites is through the Second, the distribution of archaeological sites, copies are sent modification. But in an important initiative by conscientious implementation of well Quaternary deposits is plotted, in on completion to relevant county some of these sediments, commissioning a project known as the formulated local authority policies which every assistance has been council archaeological officers for the evidence for people English Rivers Palaeolithic Survey to which follow the advice of the offered by the British Geological use in development control. who played an influential review all discoveries of this period. Department of the Environment's Survey. Third, a record of mineral Although, due to cost, only a limited Armed with a complete national Planning Policy Guidance: Planning extraction is compiled; many part in the contemporary Lower Palaeolithic hand-axe from Dorchester, Dorset. quantity of reports have been ecosystem is an overview, it will be possible to take and Archaeology of 1990 (Gamble & discoveries have been made during Palaeolithic implements are most commonly found in published, they are available for riverine or lacustrine sediments, but one of the most strategic decisions on the protection Wymer, 1994). extraction, but extraction has also important scientific public consultation, both through interesting results of the English Rivers Palaeolithic of certain sites and the desirability of The project has been been responsible for the consumption feature most deserving of county councils and a number of Survey is the number of find spots, such as the investigating others. This commissioned from Wessex of many relevant deposits. From recognition and Dorchester example, which occur in unglaclated high Archaeology in Salisbury and is led by these studies, a major report on each national institutions. At the end of protection.• level locations, particularly in Hampshire and Kent. conservation role is also shared with (Photo by E A Wakefield) 4 • •5 channel deposits are, in turn, overlain by the Sunnybrook Diamict, Conservation Canadian style interpreted as a subaqueous debris flow of poorly sorted glacio­ Nick Pearce, lacustrine sediments, which became University of Wales, what price legislation? unstable and slumped downslope. Aberystwyth The highest conformable unit in the succession is the Lower colourful finish, and these line Thorncliffe Fonnation, consisting of swimming pools, public buildings and about 8 metres of silty clay hospitals acroSS the country. In over rhythmites, which are probably 100 years of brick production, some 'varves'. These were deposited in 25 metres of Pleistocene deposits deep water and produced by annual were cleared from the Upper variations in sedimentation in a Ordovician shales, which were prodelta environment. Ice-rafted extracted for firing into high quality 'clots' of material, and evidence of bricks. These shales, part of the stonns and slumping, are also Georgian Bay Formation, were dug apparent. Mean annual from a pit which reached almost 150 temperatures close to 0° Celsius are metres in depth. With the continued indicated. The total species count removal of the superficial deposits to (in excess of 500) far exceeds any recover more of the underlying shales, Varved clays of the Lower Thomcliffe Formation. (Photo by Nick Pearce) other site in North America, and the an unequalled Ice Age record was pol1en record is unequal1ed in quality gradually exposed, interpreted, and Formation, up to a thin veneer of reconstructions, based on mol1usc, Iroquois Sands left behind after the ostracod, diatom and caddisfly at similar-aged sites in the continent, finally lost. The importance of the underlining the scientific importance Pleistocene deposits was recognised at last glaciation, about 12,000 years faunas, indicate a shal10w lake ago. Unfortunately, much of the affected by a nearby river; a gradual of this site. around the turn of the century by The upper (younger) parts of the A P Coleman who, in 1912, received record from around 50,000 years ago increase in planktonic species, was removed from the Don Valley succession in the Don Val1ey area funding from the British Association coupled with fining-upward have been eroded by processes within area by the most recent glaciation, A group of environmental geology students from the University of Toronto visiting the for the Advancement of Science to sediments, suggest a gradual a large lake, Lake Iroquois, which Don Valley Brickyard. Ordovician sediments are in the foreground and the interglacial excavate the site. Now that brick although the Scarborough Bluffs on deepening of the lake. The formed as ice dammed the St deposits are well exposed in the distant wall of the excavation. (Photo by Nick Pearce) production has ceased, a series of low the northern shore of Lake Ontario occasional large, isolated clast within Lawrence Val1ey. The lake persisted (20-25 metre) sandy cliffs show the upper part of this the sediments was surrounding the infilled pit are all that succession, particularly deposits probably ice;pfted. Downtown Metropolitan The site remain. dating from about 20,000-13,000 Faunas from the lower TorCUlto, a sprawling maze of years ago. Complete sequences of Don Beds indicate The Don Valley Brickyard interglacial sediments are rare in concrete and 14 lane interstates, Ice Age history temperatures about 2° may not seem a likely location for produced most of Toronto's bricks continental areas -they are, by their Celsius higher than at one of the most important sites in until 1984, when the then owners, very nature, at the mercy of erosion Glacial and interglacial sediments present, similar to deciphering the last interglacial in Brampton Brick, closed the site due from the next glaciation - and the central Pennsylvania. are present in the Don Valley Don Valley Brickyard and North America.~The Don Valley to economic difficulties. The In addition to pike and Brickyard. These date from the end Scarborough Bluffs jointly provide Brickyard, less than three miles from buildings of the brickyard now form catfish fossils, some of the penultimate glaciation (The an invaluable research resource for the Canadian National Tower, an impressive industrial mammalian mega­ archaeological feature. The brickyard York Til\ from the Il1inoian this period. contains one of the best known fossils, including bison, was also the only place in Canada glaciation), some 120,000 years ago, The York Till, the last vestige of Pleistocene sequences in the mammoth, mastodon, where bricks were glazed with a through the intergracial Don the Il1inoian glaciation and the oldest continent, and this, along with the deer and giant beaver of the Pleistocene sediments in the old kilns and buildings, has been the (the size of a small Don Valley Brickyard, is presently focus of continued conservation brown bear), have been poorly exposed due to slumping of efforts for the last 10 years. Whilst discovered. unconsolidated sediments from rare wildlife and plant species are The laminated clays above. This 1 metre thick bouldery protected by legislation in Canada, of the 8 metre thick diamict probably represents a wave­ one of the issues raised by the Scarborough washed till. conservation of the Don Valley Fonnation overlie the Brickyard site is the lack of a The York Till is overlain by the Don Beds and are geological conservation policy. This interglacial Don Beds. The basal 2 interpreted as a deep is in marked contrast to British metres of this unit were deposited at water (prodelta) conservation, where geology, under the margin of a lake, affected sediment deposited the Wildlife and Countryside Act, is occasionally by storms. These when temperatures protected by the same legislation as deposits give way upwards to a thick were about 2 to 5° wildlife, and once a geological (20 metre) sequence of deeper-water Celsius below present feature is designated as being a Site sands and muds, which contain levels. These deposits of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), abundant fossils. The muds contain are overlain the law provides for its protection. leaves, peat, flattened wood unconfonnably in The combined efforts of the Friends fragments and the occasional log, places by the Pottery of Don Valley in ensuring that this while the sands contain fragments of Road Gravels, which important Canadian site is now safe up to 55 different species of occupy a large channel may, however, be a lesson to all of temperate mol1usc. cut during a period of us involved in conservation in The buildings of the Don Valley Brickyard, with modem downtown Toronto on the Coarsely laminated clays of the Scarborough Formation, Palaeoenvironmental low lake water. These deposited in relatively deep water. (Photo by Nick Pearce) Britain. skyline. (Photo by Nick Pearce) 7 •6 • protected from the moment it was offered for sale in 1984. I J The more extensive upper part of the interglacial succession exposed in o/canic ark the Scarborough Bluffs also has problems regarding conservation. - a proposed RIGS igneous geology trail in These unconsolidated deposits on the shore of Lake Ontario are readily Jonathan Wilkins, Gwynedd RIGS Group and Stewart Campbell, Countryside Council for Wales eroded by wave action, and are gradually being lost to protection e dibosaur phenomenon is glaciers and ice sheets which cover Geologicallgeomorphological Sites) works and development. Again, no well known. The perennial much ofthe Earth's surface and which Group, which was formed in 1993. The Group's area includes the legislation is available to ensure their popularity of dinosaur still fashion its landscape. The violence models, books and other ofrecent eruptions, such as Mount spectacular, once glaciated, upland protection. products has been enhanced Pinatubo (philippines), Unzen Gapan) terrain of , as well as some recently by the 'Jurassic Park' craze. and Mount St Helens (USA), received of the most geologically diverse and Future development Diligent research over many years has international television coverage. But interesting parts ofthe British Isles ­ shown what the creatures may have can the public's interest be aroused in and uYn. The volcanic With the site now safely in the looked like and how they lived. Other recognising the products ofvolcanic legacy ofSnowdonia figures large in hands of the Provincial geological events and processes, activity in now-quiescent British texts on the geological history ofthe Government, the Friends of Don however, are equally capable of terrains? British Isles, and has massive potential Valley are working closely with the enthusing those with non-geological The need to fire the imaginations of for developing public awareness of Province and Metro Toronto to The Scarborough Bluffs, up to 100 metres high in places, expose the upper part of backgrounds. High on the list are the members ofthe general public is a geological and related conservation the interglacial sediments in the Toronto area. A recent marina development can be develop it as an educational park. spectacular effects of modem volcanic major concern of Gwynedd RIGS issues. The proposed geological trail seen at the end of the valley. (Photo by Nick Pearce) The first stage will cost an activity and earthquakes, and the (Regionally Important on Mountain is Gwynedd estimated $7 million, and will RIGS Group's first major be left as an open environment and to the end of the last glaciation, and include highlighting the Major faults interpretation project, and its potential left a thin, unconfonnable veneer of used as an urban park. palaeoenvironmental and geological and problems are explored here. sand (the Iroquois Sand) over the The site's widely known interpretation of the interglacial geological interest was championed Younger sediments area, before the ice dam melted and deposits and renovating buildings Geology and conservation the last glacier retreated from the area by Professors John Westgate and for their archaeological importance. approximately 12,000 years ago. The Sandstone Cwm Eigiau Formation Nick Eyles from the Scarborough A series of renovated kilns will } Conwy Mountain () upper part of this interglacial Campus of the University of allow groups of local potters to fire l* .. dominates Conwy Bay. Its rugged and succession is, however, well exposed Toronto, who argued that its . .. Rhyolitic ruff } Capel Curig Formation in the Scarborough Bluffs, which their handiwork, and an attractive scenery is a product of international significance would be interpretative centre with various Ordovician volcanoes, major earth fonn a 16 kilometre-long section, lost if development proceeded. .m=m- Rhyolite, intrusive natural history displays will be movements and Pleistocene glaciers, occasionally reaching 100 metres in Efforts to save the site were focused Conwy Rhyolite Formation height, along the northern shore of constructed. The site will be yet it has no official geological through the Friends of Don Valley, a Rhyolite, extrusive } sensitively landscaped as a park and designation. However, the area around Lake Ontario. group including natural historians, should also provide a popular Allt Wen and the (partly geologists, rate payers, potters, Older sediments (not exposed) recreational area in the middle of included in the proposed trail) fall History of conservation bankers and politicians, all of whom Toronto. The capital for within a biological Site of Special had interests in seeing the Don RIGS boundary Scientific mterest (SSSI), important for Brampton Brick closed the Don development is being raised both Valley preserved. its 'dry heath' and magnificent spreads Valley Brickyard in 1984 and invited from City funds and from appeals After several years of hard ofheather and gorse. Most ofthe area Metro Toronto to buy the site for $4 by the Friends of Don Valley. campaigning, the Ontario Provincial concerned is administered as common million. The cost was thought too The conservation of the Don Footpaths Government finally agreed to ? 11= land by Aberconwy Borough Council, high and the City decided not to Geological locality purchase the site to preserve its Valley Brickyard highlights the fact * and the entire site lies within proceed, and the site was scientific and archaeological interest. that the lack of a statutory + Viewpoint Snowdonia National Park and is immediately purchased by Tor No legislation existed for a geological conservation policy in subject to its planning regulations. Valley, a development company. -­ Proposed trail \ compulsory purchase on geological Canada could have resulted in the The volcanic history ofNorth Wales Despite their knowledge of the sale, 3:~n':Vy grounds; however, archaeological loss to development of one of the • Castell Caer Seion (also viewpoint) , is extremely complicated. Two major the Ontario Geological Survey did legislation could allow for the site to most important interglacial sites in phases ofvolcanic activity took place in not alert scientists or the public to N be preserved. The developers asked the continent. Only through the Penmaenbach the Ordovician - at the end of the potential threat to this important for an independent group to assess persistence of enthusiastic Tremadoc times and during the site. This lack of action was a direct the situation as, if their plans were conservationists and a fortunate t ~%C ~'-O;;2 ~~~~:c;' Caradoc. The latter phase produced result of conservation being halted, they stood to lose overlap of archaeological interest the intrusions, lavas and tuffs which excluded from their remit (there is considerable revenue. Hearing after (which is provided-for in Canadian \ now crop out in central and northern no legal obligation to conserve hearing followed during the late law) has the Don Valley site been Snowdonia, as well as in the Berwyn geological sites). 1980s, at which scientific and Hills ofnorth-eastern Wales and in Tor Valley planned to build a saved, but at considerable, and archaeological evidence was possible avoidable, cost to the LlYn. The Caradoc volcanism itself series of high-rise apartment blocks occurred in two major eruptive phases presented. Eventually it was ruled Ontario taxpayer. in the valley, a plan which was that the Ontario Provincial or cycles. In North Wales, these unpopular with many of the local Government should be allowed to volcanic phases are demonstrated by residents, who were opposed to high Acknowledgements . purchase the site from Tor Valley, 255m two groups ofrocks - the Llewelyn development and concerned about but at a cost of $20 million - five­ Thanks are due to John Volcanic Group (exposed on Conwy the increase in traffic. The times the 1984 price. Clearly, had Westgate for a tour of the Don Mountain) and the younger Snowdon Canadian Field Naturalists were also Valley Brickyard and to Nick Eyles Geological data based conservation been part of the .BGS I :2's.OOO Conwy Volcanic Group. opposed to the proposed Geological Survey's remit, this small for ensuring the accuracy of this Different volcanic centres in the development, preferring the site to but valuable site could have been article.• Geological highlights of the proposed trail on Conwy Mountain. North Wales area were active at various

8 9 • • also contained Developing the trail phenocrysts are aligned in the direction much gas and of flow. steam - this Gwynedd RIGS Group has no Locality 4: abandoned quarries, combination of members who are able to devote the various faces of which show properties themselves full-time to developing a excellent cross-sections through ensured violent geological trail on Conwy Mountain. extrusive rhyolites. Superb flow­ eruptions. Fortunately, much of the necessary banding is visible, and to the west, the Some groundwork has been done by a post­ rock becomes ruffaceous upwards and recrystallisation of graduate student, Geraint Green, from is well-jointed. Debris flows of shale, the fine-grained Wolverhampton University. He has ruff and pumice fragments are also rhyolites occurred looked, in particular, at the practical seen, as well as black, glassy intrusive during the aspects of developing the trail, such as veins. Caledonian safety, access and funding. Locality 5: an excellent exposure Orogeny, when The principal tasks identified are as ofgritty tuff near the crest of Conwy earth movements follows: Mountain. A Bronze Age fon, Castell resulted in low­ 1. To survey, record and categorise Caer Seion, lies nearby and its rampart The Sychnant Pass lies near to the start of the proposed trail. grade regional rock exposures and other relevant was constructed from the local rock. This spectacular dry valley, flanked by impressive screes, may metamorphism geological and geomorphological Locality 6: spectacular examples of have been partly eroded by glacial meltwaters during the last and caused features. major glaciation of North Wales. (Photo by Stewart Campbell) nodular tuffs, formed by explosive extensive folding 2. To propose and discuss a volcanic activity in a marine setting. times during the Caradoc. Most of the and faultings - the effects of the latter geologicaVgeomorphological The abandoned quarries (Locality 4) contain excellent examples of flOW-banded Nearby are younger marine sandstones. rocks on Conwy Mountain consist of make interpreting the rocks on Conwy interpretation for the area. rhyolite, intruded in places by black 'glassy' veins. The steep faces, scree slopes and There are many additional localities rhyolite lavas (the extrusive equivalent Mountain particularly challenging. 3. To consult/involve archaeological generally rough terrain, however, pose significant safety problems that must be which keen visitors will be able to ofgranite) and ash-flow ruffs (Conwy resolved before the trail can include these localities. (Photo by Stewart Campbell) The present-day landscape also owes and natural history specialists to explore, and there are many Rhyolite Formation) erupted from the much to the erosive effects of ensure that other salient non­ possibilities for integrating the geology most northerly of the Snowdonian Pleistocene ice. Hard rhyolite and rock types and the most significant flow-banding. The geological highlights can be Pleistocene laridforms and landscape volcanic centres, located about 5 tuff resisted erosion and now form incorporated in the trail and that outcrop is interpreted kilometres south-west of present-day upstanding areas, with younger and features. The following geological as an extrusive rhyolite other interests are not damaged by 'stops' demonstrate some of the most Conwy. These rocks often exhibit the softer sedimentary rocks, which were it. (lava) which has characteristic flow-banding associated exploited by ice and meltwater, interesting features and views, and will undergone subsequent with viscous acidic lavas. They were forming lower relief. A series of east­ 4. To propose routes for a variety of be considered for inclusion in the trail faulting and later intruded by rhyolite, which now west valleys, lacking contempory 'graded' self-guided and (see map). mineralisation. forms the Penmaenbach headland. A streams, may well have been cut by accompanied walks. The proposed trail will start at a From here, the trail subsequent phase of explosive volcanic meltwater flowing under great 5. To propose and agree access conveniently situated car park, from crosses a dry valley, activity was responsible for the rhyolite pressure at the base of an ice sheet. arrangements with landowners and where there are excellent views of the which mayJtive been ruffs of the Capel Curig Formation. The rhyolites and tuffs give rise to other interested parties. spectacular Sychnant Pass. The a glacial meltwater absence of running water in the valley The style ofvolcanic activity thin acidic soils, colonised mainly by 6. To find suitable sponsorship. channel. The path responsible for the rock sequence on gorse, heather and bracken. In its may indicate that it was fashioned by then climbs over 7. To design and install appropriate meltwater in the Pleistocene - perhaps Conwy Mountain was similar to that western section, where the proposed waymarkers. gorse-and heather­ seen today at destructive plate margins, trail overlaps the SSSI, a substantial during the last major glaciation, some covered slopes (part of 18,000 years ago. The slopes ofAllt where ocean island arcs are formed. area of heath, dominated by bell 8. To publish guides, worksheets and Wen also display some of the finest the SSSI), from where Black veins intrude the rhyolite at the western end of the Modem examples include the New heather and ling, clothes the slopes. other teaching aids. screes in North Wales there are excellent abandoned quarries (Locality 4). (Photo by Stewart Campbell) Zealand - Tonga Arc and the Aleutian Western gorse is also widespread here views across Conwy Trail highlights Locality 1: a high rocky bluff. The Island Arc. The rocks on Conwy and a variety of rocky outcrops, scree Bay to the Great rock here is red-brown, brecciated, Mountain were formed in an extremely slopes and small pools adds In devising a geology trail for Conwy Orme. intensely iron-stained along fractures with natural history and archaeological violent volcanic setting. The rhyolite biological diversity. The SSSI is also Mountain, the overriding consideration and permeated by quartz veins. Close Locality 2: a fine example of features. Geological and thematic lava contained more than 70% silica, imponant for its rare moths and is to provide a series of localities which inspection shows weakly developed intrusive rhyolite. The rock here is considerations apart, there are also consequently was highly viscous and dragonflies. demonstrate the full range ofigneous grey, shows contoned flow-banding other important issues to be considered and often contains in setting up the trail. Although much rectangular holes thought has been given to the proposed formed by the route, and to which features will be selective weathering included, there are still serious of alkali-feldspar problems to be resolved. phenocrysts. Locality 3: flow­ banded rhyolite, Safety and access dark grey in colour The safety of visitors is paramount, and with columnar panicularly as the site contains several joints perpendicular potentially hazardous areas. For to the flow-banding. example, the abandoned quarries Microscopic comprise four steep faces, each up to examination of these 15 metres high. There are scree rocks has revealed slopes between the quarry levels, that the flow­ An impressive craggy outcrop of tuft near the summit of while other areas contain derelict One of the trail's greatest assets is the quality of its Conwy Mountain (Locality 5). A Bronze Age fort lies nearby banding is a buildings, rock waste and disused surroundings. Here, the colourful heather- and gorse-covered The first rhyolite outcrops of the trail (Locality 1) occur close to (out-of-shot), while the rhyolite intrusion that fonns the manifestation of the road that runs through the Sychnant Pass. A conveniently slopes of Conwy Mountain fonn a backdrop to the abandoned haulage inclines. Such rough terrain Penmaenbach headland can be seen in the distance. different grain sizes situated car park is located to the extreme right. (Photo by quarries (top right) and the Great Onne (top centre). (Photo by (Photo by Stewart Campbell) and potentially hazardous 'drops' Stewart Campbell) Stewart Campbell) and that the pose significant safety problems to -10 - 11 prime purposes for which the RIGS movement and its statutory partner in Wales, the Countryside Council for Popularizing a Wales, exist. It is vital, however, for ie el in the ero n any developments to fit in with existing requirements, and increased site use must be achieved without of Scottish geology damaging sensitive and rare habitats. Colin MacFadyen, Scottish Natural Heritage There are also landscape ne of Scotland's most important unusual rock considerations - waymarkers, boards geologiqI1 features, the world type in a field and footpaths must be blended into Ofamous Rhynie Chert, will soon and dry stone the existing scenery and must not be be on the tourist map of north-east walls close to allowed to desecrate it. Footpath Scotland. An exhibition commissioned the village. erosion may become a problem and by Scottish Natural Heritage officially Legend has it remedial measures may have to be opened recently at the primary school that Dr considered. Overall, however, it is in the village of Rhynie, a rural Mackie not envisaged that increased community some 45 kilometres north­ spotted the geological use of the area will west of Aberdeen. Using pictures, rock compete with the existing land uses, samples and interactive display first block of which include grazing, conservation material, the exhibit reconstructs the chen in a wall and recreation. Conflict is not fauna and flora ofwhat is the world's as he sat Very fine exposures of nodular tuft occur at the eastern end of the site (Locality 6). expected and major advances in the oldest known complete terrestrial eating his (Photo by Stewart Campbell) public's awareness and understanding ecosystem and provides an insight into lunch. of geology are to be gained. All of its discovery by William Mackie. Geologically, VlSltOrs. Although these areas contain these issues will be subject to scrutiny The Rhynie Chert Site of Special chert was a The new geological exhibit at Rhynie Primary School. some of the trail's most exciting and and discussion at the Association of Scientific Interest (SSSI) and National most peculiar rewarding geology, they cannot be (Photo from Scottish Natural Heritage) In creating a geological trail on Welsh RIGS Groups' forum, to be Nature Reserve lies alongside the and unique included until suitable protective Conwy Mountain, there are many held in on 29-30 A941, half a kilometre north-west of find in the area, made more so by the barriers have been installed and other preservation of this early fauna and factors to be considered. From a September 1995. Conwy Mountain the village of Rhynie in Aberdeenshire. fact that it contained exceptionally relevant safety issues, including that flora is so perfect that the finest geological perspective, the site has will figure prominently in the forum's The nature of the site is unique among well-preserved plant fossils; of public liability, have been resolved. anatomical details, including individual much to recommend it. It is robust field programme. the nation's network ofgeological consequently it attracted the interest of In other areas, proper access has to cells, can be seen. In more recent years, and is unlikely to suffer damage from SSSIs. As a common-or-garden grassy be considered. The important geologists and palaeobotanists nation­ information about the environment in increased usage. There are no fossils field, grazed by cattle and sheep, it outcrops on Penmaenbach, showing Acknowledgements wide. It was soon realised that the which the chert formed has been vulnerable to over-collection, there is the rhyolite intrusion, are not served belies the major international chert block~scoveredin tbe field had determined by Dr Nigel Trewin much loose rock material to examine Ken Addison (St Peter's College by adequate paths. Any significance of the 400 million year old been dug up through decades of (Aberdeen University) and others, by and collect, and the quarry faces are Oxford, Wolverhampton University and improvements to the path network rocks beneath. ploughing and that their source lay at stable, having already stood for some Chairman, Gwynedd RIGS Group), studying rock cores taken from will have to be mindful of the fact It was during the geological depth below the surface. This was 50 years. Moreover, the various Geraint Green (Wolverhampton boreholes through the chert. These that some of the area lies within an mapping of the Rhynie area in 1912 confirmed in 1913 and 1916 through statutory authorities with interests in University) and Roz Hattey and studies have suggested that during SSSI, where there can be no that Dr William Mackie, a regional trenching conducted by Mr Tait of the the area have a generally-declared Margaret Wood (Countryside Council Lower Old Red Sandstone times, development whiCh isinimical to the medical officer for Elgin and geologist, Geological Survey. Unfortunately, the desire to enhance recreational for Wales) kindly provided comments around 400 million years ago, the interests of flora and fauna. discovered loose blocks of a very trenches rapidly degraded and the pursuits and education in the and information for this paper; Keith Rhynie area comprised a river plain 'exposures' of chert Ownership and funding countryside, where appropriate. Iones (CCW Maps Section) drew the and lakeland landscape, dotted with Naturally, all this accords with the map.• were lost. The fossil­ geysers and hot springs. The trail cannot be initiated bearing blocks of chert, Despite the hostility of this ancient without the full agreement of the found at the time of the environment, it represented a habitat landowners and other interested initial discovery and for some of the earliest known land parties. These include, in particular, during the subsequent plants and arthropods, which colonised Aberconwy Borough Council, excavations, formed the the marshy areas around the hot Snowdonia National Park Authority basis of the classic work springs. This early ecosystem was and a Commoners'Association, with on the plant fossils by home to a variety of early vascular whom initial consultations are taking two renowned Scottish plants, including the famous Rhynia place. In the current financial palaeobotanists - Dr and Asteroxylon. Associated with the climate, there is little scope for Kidston and Professor macroflora was a substantial microflora attracting money to a project which Lang. Studies of the of both algae and fungi. This primitive may be desirable, but which has little fossil material by plant community developed on a sandy substrate akin to soil, and was prospect of significant and rapid research workers of replenished periodically by sediment­ financial return - although it is hoped several different charged stream floods that inundated that the sales of guides and nationalities have continued ever since. the area. The animal component of the publications will generate revenue in ecosystem was represented by minute Over the years, the the long-term. Possibilities for arthropods. Some of these have been chert has yielded not funding include sponsorship, by local found within the empty spore cases of only some of the industry, of individual signboards and the plants, suggesting that they either waymarkers, and improvements to world's earliest land ate the plant spores, or used the empty safety in the quarried areas might be plants, but also the The nodular nature of the tufts is seen clearly in this close-up. This last stop spore cases for shelter. The mite financed through a derelict land (Locality 6) on the proposed trail also provides spectacular views of Conwy and its earliest known insect Protacarus, with a body length of half a grant. castle. (Photo by Stewart Campbell) A display panel outside the school describing the Rhynie and several micro­ millimetre or less, possessed strong Chert. (Photo from Scottish Natural Heritage) arthropods. The (Continued on page 31) 12 - - 13 six specific locations in the United States have been selected, all of Landscape interpretation for which are attractive to geologists and geomorphologists interested in physical landscapes. Attention is the public in the United States drawn to a variety of successful, useful and sometimes distinctive, thought-provoking approaches to - examDles of good practice landscape experience and education for visitors. Peter Keene, Oxford Brookes University nyone interested in the practice which help the public to had previous been the norm. In a Lion's Eye Nature Trail, interpretation of landscape, understand the history of the rocks recent issue of Earth Hen'cage, John Anna Ruby Falls whether for student or and the processes responsible for the Hopkins draws attention to the ! visitor, soon becomes aware appearance of the landscape. surprisingly limited dialogue Administration: Chattahoochee of the enviable reputation that the My research tour, undertaken in between geologists, ~ational Forest, Chanooga Ranger United States has for high quality the summer of 1994, included such geomorphologists and ecologists, District, Burton Road, Highway on-site landscape interpretation for chronicling, but also had a broader especially about conservation issues 197, Clarkesville, GA 30523. the public; a public which generally brief. This brief was to examine the (Hopkins, 1994). Both these The Anna Ruby Falls, a seems very receptive to what is on variety of ways in which landscape examples demonstrate the need for spectacular slide of water tumbling offer. In the first of two articles, I, interpretation catered for a public joint, interdisciplinary, conservation trom the Blue Ridge area at the having recently returned from a who perceived these landscapes, not strategies. southern tip of the Appalachians, is research visit to the United States, principally as areas significant for However, beyond 'scientific' Photo 2. Most visitors arrive by car. The interpretative panel at the Coke Ovens reason enough to visit this site. Overlook, Colorado National Monument. (Photo by Peter Keene) pick out some relevant examples of their earth science heritage, but as cooperation is the need to pay more However, at the beginning of a longer the genre which might stimulate environments valued for a whole than lip service to strategies which forest trail to the falls is the Lion's being a trail for the blind. It would supported by local communities. emulation in the United Kingdom. range of scientific interests, or places fully integrate recreational needs and Eye Nature Trail. This trail provides seem that the trail did provide a The style and provision of on-site In a subsequent article, I will of recreation and leisure, or places the cultivation of the emotional a short, surfaced loop through some deeper sense of place for a wide notice boards and their content is a consider some of the underlying appreciated for their historical and interaction with landscapes; for woodland and down to a stream. It variety of people, engendering an matter of experimentation by English reasons for the supposed pre­ cultural association and their beauty. example, the Countryside has wheelchair access and can be enhanced environmental Nature (Page, 1994). Elsewhere, eminence of the United States in If one believes that the success of Commission, writing about the long­ followed by any \valker. Signs draw consciousness and, presumably, fear has been expressed that, without on-site landscape explanation for the future conservation measures distance footpath alongside attention to items of interest. As a subliminal support for conservation care, over-enthusiastic interpretation general public. depends upon interpretative Hadrian's Wall, suggest it should short, woodland, streamside walk, it as \vell as, one would hope, may be responsible for an intrusive For any conservationist interested education across a wide spectrum of provide "spiritual and intellectual might be considered unexceptional. emotional sUPP,.ort for the prQvision presence which dictates the \vay that in the public interpretation of the public, then the necessity for an insight, aesthetic and emotional But what makes this trail significantly of greater fac1fri:ies for the disabled. sites are experienced. The extensive physical landscapes and geological awareness of the way landscapes are pleasure, physical exercise, social different is that it is designed to be use of on-site notice boards in semi­ structures, there is much to be perceived and used by the public contact and health-giving undertaken by the blind. A smooth, wilderness areas in the United States gained from a visit to the United becomes of fundamental importance recreation" (The Observer, 1 August Coke Ovens and Red continuous handrail gives reassuring may, therefore, be questioned. States, where geological and to conservationists (Keene, 1994). 1993). Such approaches, whilst not passage. Breaks in the handrail signal Canyon 'Overlooks' However, despite initial reservations geomorphologicallandscape English Nature's move towards directly designed to further physical nearby small Braille plaques. Close and a personal resistance to being interpretation inNational, State and the concept of the Natural Area landscape interpretation, can be seen Administration: Colorado National by might be 'listening benches' ­ 'processed', the provision of boards Forest Parks is taken very seriously. (Duff, 1994) signalled the need for a as significantly broadening the Monument, Fruita, CO 81521. running water - birdsongs - the wind at these overvie\vs seemed entirely A visit could be justified simply on conservation strategy which experience of place beyond that of in the trees. 'Touch and feel boxes' At one level, National Parks, appropriate and helpful, despite the the basis of recording and reporting addresses environmental issues on a formal landform or geological I COntrast dead litter with living tree Forest Parks and National 'natural setting' in which many are back on the many examples of good broader interdisciplinary front than explanation. located (Photo I). The possible Seeking a broad environmental bark. You are invited to dip your Nlonuments of the central and \vestern United States have a reasons for this are outlined below: awareness is not neVi to the fingers in the stream, ice-cold from I fundamental advantage in environmental scientist, but is too the mountains, or to slide your demonstrating the relationship often seen as a diversion from the fingertips over the smooth cold rub of I • i\lany visitors are actively seeking between geology and landscape. The true role of the 'scientist'. In the slickenside. explanation of the scene. relatively dry climate and resulting area of conservation, this is far from Such experiential trails are fairly lack of dense vegetation make these being the case and, indeed, this common. l'vlost people associate • The signs are thoughtfully landscapes of simple, bare structures objective is now passing beyond them with primary school education designed and serve their function a teacher's dream. Furthermore, the being a simple conservation strategy or with the Earth-consciousness well; that function being to sheer space and physical drama of to become a broader holistic tradition. They are seldom sought respond to the immediate curiosity these landscapes stimulate an eager educational aim within scientific out by a more self-conscious adult of the non-specialist visitor, curiosity amongst visitors, many of environmental education. The point public. The arresting feature about stimulated by the drama of the whom are visiting the location has been made before: "It is possible the Lion's Eye Trail is that, although landscape to seek some simple, bur specifically because of the spectacular to develop the emotional and the it is, no doubt, a valued focus for not trivial, understanding of its blind visitors, here it is clearly serving panoramas. Most sites, building on origin and evolution. intellectual appreciation and this interest, handle the task of a further function. Sighted children understanding of Nature side by explanation with considerable • The content is clearly and and adults, eyes tightly shut, were side, and to achieve in the individual success, offering a range of graphically communicated. At a mind a synthesis of Poetry, in the using the trail and, in doing so, using explanatory options - simple notice slightly more advanced level, wide sense of the word, and of senses normally suppressed by the boards, visitor leaflets, a local radio visitors can refer to detailed Science as the word is commonly dominance of sight. Those normally service, ranger talks and guided coloured brochures which address used" (Cornish, 1933). too embarrassed to be seen \valks, self-guided trails and the back­ landscape evolution and which are Rather than seeking to establish a experiencing this style of up of visitor centres with issued to all, either at the park linking theme between the 36 sites environmental education, perhaps Photo 1. A roadside Interpretative panel at the Red Canyon Overlook, Colorado comprehensive bookshops run by entrance or at the visitor centre. explored during my 1994 study visit, have their misgivings assuaged bv this National Monument. (Photo by Peter Keene) independent charitable associations A third level of interpretation is -14 - 15 hill) has meant that providing Park is the Fiery Furnace, a waterless universal access to prime sites is not maze of bare rock fins, where considered a real conservation issue. summer day-time temperatures can The Giant Forest In general, since the parks are "to be reach 43" Celsius (1100 Fahrenheit). accessible for the enjoyment of the This zone may only be visited by Thh- !

Evaluating interpretation at Hunstanton he Cair go ms Tom Hose, Buckinghamshire College geomorphological sensitivity and management The popularity of fossil hunting and passers-by and interested visitors undertaken some form of tertiary of a fragile and dynamic mountain landscape pebble collecting can be readily each year. education. Most had never studied witnessed at many holiday locations Hunstanton cliffs are a geological geology. Two thirds of those throughout Great Britain. Site of Special Scientific Interest interviewed regularly read a daily John Gordon, Vanessa Brazier and Andrew Tay/or, Scottish Natura/ Heritage Interpretive strategies for these (SSSI) and clearly show bands of newspaper, and of these, just over places could help raise the publics' red and white chalk containing half read a tabloid. The sediments preserved in lochs awareness of our rich geological abundant fossils, including bivalves, American studies have shown that and bogs contain a record of past heritage, and have great potential as belemites and trace fossils. Overall, most interpretive displays in environmental changes (climate and a tool in conservation education. the rocks indicate the deepening of a museums and zoos, with their vegetation) and human impacts in the English Nature has identified over tropical sea in Cretaceous times, 'captive audiences', only manage to form of pollutants and land use 50 geological sites in England which some 97 million years ago. attract between 8% and 40% of changes - these aspects are well­ show some potential for on-site visitors. Therefore, this panel's known. Similarly, the landform and interpretation. Of these, a scheme The visitor survey recorded 24% attracting power is sediment record provides a less for Hunstanton cliffs on the north quite successful. The maximum widely-mown measure of the Norfolk coast is now in place. Here, An evaluation of the interpretive holding time recorded was 2.51 magnitude and frequency of geomorphological processes in the an angled panel (840 mm x 600 panel's effectiveness was undertaken minutes, the minimum was 0.05 past (for example, river channel mm, with descriptive text, on three successive Sundays in May minutes and the mean was 1.02 change, flooding, debris flow activity). orientation drawing and 1994, over a total of 10 hours. The minutes. This allows current changes (both photographs of the principal rocks) weather varied from heavily overcast The ability of visitors to recall natural and moderated by human was erected in 1993. Its size, colour with rain to brilliant sunshine, with panel information was analysed. activity) to be placed in a wider scheme and location produced an an onshore wind of varying strength Just over half could give an accurate perspective. unobtrusive, aesthetically pleasing and coolness. A log was kept of the . age in millions of years, but not the result, expected to be viewed by panel's attracting and holding geological system, for the rocks. Geomorphology and land between 1,000 and 10,000 casual powers and of all passing visitors. There was a general inability to management An interview survey The glacial landform of Coire an t-Sneachda contrasts sharply with the adjacent identify common British fossils from plateau surface. The Loch Lomond Readvance moraine 0'l}he corrie floo~ comprises From a management viewpoint, many of 80% of those who an illustrated prompt card, except several ridges of boulders. (Photo by John Gordon) of the landforms are fossil and, if viewed the panel was for the bivalve mollusc which was damaged or destroyed, cannot be conducted. similar to the living forms encrusting The Cairngorms form an area of particularly good examples of their replaced, since the processes that Despite some rocks on the beach. High recall outstanding interest for their type, so that the area also has formed them are no longer active. Others are active, and in some cases differences between rates for 'Chalk' and 'Red Chalk' landforms, record of landscape excellent potential for education and history and current geomorphological interpretation. the essence of their interest lies in the social grouping were not, perhaps, surprising, but and probable ages of processes. The variety and character the ability of some two thirds to of the landforms and soils also interviewed and fairly accurately recall the site's observed visitors, a provide the foundation of the major palaeoenvironment was habitat variations. In addition, general pattern is encouraging. beyond the intrinsic interest in evident. Half of landforms, geomorphology has a those interviewed potentially significant contribution to were aged 45-64 Interpretive implications make to the development of a wider years, and a quarter strategy for integrated landscape The generally high readership of were aged 30-45 management. Such a contribution years; the remainder the tabloid press gives clear limits to requires an understanding of were almost equally the vocabulary and style that can be geomorphological sensitivity. split between those employed in interpretive material. aged 20-29 years and The shortfall in geological over 64 years. Two knowledge probably lies in a general Intrinsic value of the thirds of interviewees lack of formal geology tuition in geomorphology were making a repeat schools; the inclusion of the subject The Cairngorms are one of the key visit to Hunstanton in the National Curriculum is, however, encouraging for the future. areas in Scotland identified in the and most lived within Geological Conservation Review for Undoubtedly, greater public about two hours landforms, the record of landscape Debris flow activity in Glen Feshie. Debris flows are a characteristic feature of slopes dr~e. Justunderha~ exposure would help promote the history and current geomorphological value of geology and the need for in the Cairngorms; debris flow events in recent years have been triggered by heavy had left school at the processes. Moreover, this interest is rainstorms. Over a longer timescale, there is some evidence that debris flow activity legal minimum age, geological conservation. Clearly, acknowledged to be of international has increased during the last 250 years, arguably as a response to land use changes. whilst a quarter had there is some limited public interest \'alue, and may meet one of the Radiocarbon dating of buried soils in Glen Feshie, in an area unlikely to be affected by grazing activity, shows that debris flows have occurred periodically there during been educated up to in the subject which, with criteria ifWorld Heritage listing of the last 2000 years. There is, therefore, probably a complex interplay between appropriate interpretation, can be the area is considered. Many of the natural and anthropogenic factors in determining the thresholds for debris flow Site interpretation panel and cliffs at Hunstanton, Norfolk. 'A' level standard. A geomorphological features are initiation on partiCUlar slopes. (Photo by Vanessa Brazier) (Photo by Colin Prosser) quarter had made memorable.• -20 - 21 enabling the continued existence of development of a wider strategy for may be particularly sensitive where the dynamic environment. As well as integrated landscape management ­ damage or disturbance cannot easily Geomorphological sensitivity - active systems causing irreversible physical damage embracing aspects such as deer be repaired or re-created by natural and disruption of natural processes, management (for example, control of processes. The fragility of individual The response of active systems to externally iInposed change may be sensitive or robust. What is critical is human activity may incur loss of soil erosion and slope erosion); landfonns or landfonn systems will the ability of the system to resist or accommodate the change. This depends on the limiting thresholds of integrity and fragmentation of the landscape assessment; inventory, depend on the nature of the impact, the system and the size and persistence of the disturbance. interests audit and monitoring; footpath study but may be assessed using a simple Some systems are subject to frequent small changes that involve the repeated crossing ofinternal In relation to wider issues of land (for example, routing of footpaths); ranking system. This type of esholds. Such behaviour is an intrinsic part of the internal dynamics of the system. Individuallandfonns management, an understanding of river conservation; and visitor approach could be applied to e frequently modified or destroyed, but the overall system is robust since the new landfonns which are past and present landscape sensitivity facilities (interpretation). develop a sensitivity zonation for a eated are'similar to the old. The system is, thus, stable, but not static. provides a basis for assessing the range of activities, such as relative impacts of human activities, afforestation, building development, However, ifthe imposed change causes the system to cross an extrinsic threshold into a new process regime, and natural environmental changes, Geomorphological and sand and gravel extraction. en a very different assemblage of features lTIay develop (as in a change from a braided to a meandering on the landscape. Of particular sensitivity The response of dynamic systems river channel). Here the system is sensitive. relevance today are concerns about is more difficult to assess. For slope and soil erosion, river channel The development of appropriate example, the effect of bulldozing a disturbance of fragile plateau soils wider strategy for integrated from plateau surface to river bed, variations and habitat changes in management guidelines for the gravel bar in a high energy river may lead to erosion of fine sediment landscape management. As part of and how such environments response to different types of land geomorphological interest, within a environment may be short-lived, and a permanent reduction in the Scottish Natural Heritage's input to respond to natural change and management and recreational wider management framework for with the bar refonning after a single ability of the soil to support plant the Cairngonns Project, work is human impacts. pressure. Geomorphology has a the Caimgorms, depends critically flood. Such a response could be cover. Consequently, understanding underway, or proposed, to provide potentially significant contribution to on an understanding of described as robust. However, a the sensitivity of geomorphological the necessary infonnation on the • An understanding of the make to landscape management and geomorphological sensitivity, which sensitive response would occur systems, and how they respond, also geomorphological sensitivity of the interactions between impact assessment, not only from the in simple terms is a measure of the where there is a significant change in requires awareness of the natural whole landscape through: geomorphological processes, soils, ability of a landfonn to absorb variability in the magnitude and land use and habitat changes, point of view of the intrinsic interest the nature of the process • A baseline inventory of the externally imposed change. Such frequency of different processes. particularly in the fragile montane in landfonns, but also to the environment. This may be dramatic, geomorphological resource change may core area. as in a shift from a braided, multi­ (including soils), its current arise, for channel stream to a single channel, Conclusion condition and how it is changing The geomorphological record ofthe CairngOrIDS example, from which might arise from changes in in response to natural causes and References climatic sediment supply or discharge Gcomorphology has a potentially human activity. The Cairngonns include a remarkable diversity of variations or control. Sensitive behaviour may significant contribution to make to Werrity, A. and Brazier, V. B. 1991. landfonns that record the evolution of the Scottish human also occur in less dramatic ways, but landscape management and hazard' • An assessment of the spatial The Geomorphology, Conservation and mountain landscape over several millions of years. interference. can have significantly wider impacts assessment, beyond the intrinsic variability in geomorphological Management of the River Feshie SSSI. Particularly notable are the plateau surfaces, tors Relict features on habitats; for example, trampling interest in landfonns and soils, that sensitivity of different types of Nature Conservancy Council, and deeply weathered bedrock that reflect landfonn could assist in the development of a physiql process environment, Peterborough.• development dating back to the Tertiary. These preglacial landfonn elements stand in marked Recent geomorphological activity contrast to the remarkable suite of glacial and periglacial features that fonned during the The geomorphological evolution of the Cairngonns glaciations and cold episodes of the last two million did not cease at the end of the Ice Age, 10,000 years. The latter range from the large-scale glacial years ago, although the magnitude and pace of troughs and breaches, forming a landscape that is change have slowed. Evidence of landscape change unique in Scotland, to the smaller-scale solifluction during the Holocene is seen, for example, in flights and glacial deposits that provide much of the finer of river terraces with abandoned channels on their topographic detail on the mountain slopes and in the surfaces, in alluvial fan fonnation, in scree slope glens. development and in debris flow activity.

Geomorphological sensitivity ­ relict features

Relict features are vulnerable to changes where the fonns cannot be repaired or replaced since the processes that fonned them are no longer active. The iInpacts of current land use and any proposed changes may be assessed using a siInple ranking system.

Scale of increasing impact Description of the degree of impact of potentially damaging operations

1 The operation is generally not applicable. 2 The operation would obscure or mask the surface landfonn and/or stratigraphic exposures. 3 The operation would cause localised disruption or destruction of part of the landfonn. 4 The operation would cause general disruption to either the surface or stratigraphy of part of the landfonn. 5 The operation would either disrupt or destroy the landfonn surface, stratigraphy and the relationship with other components of the assemblage. The Cairngorm plateau is a dynamic environment characterised by a range of periglacial processes that continue to modify the surface soil, slopes and vegetation patterns. It is also subject to increasing human pressure from trampling, both localised along (Source: Werrity and Brazier, 1991) footpaths and of a more diffused nature. An important question for land management is to what extent the system may be regarded as robust or sensitive. (Photo by Vanessa Brazier) - 22 23- r given, conditions on the winning, the most satisfactory wording for Conclusion working, restoration and aftercare of policies. Taking into account all of Rocks, landforms and PPG 9 the site will be required. On the the foregoing, I have drafted the set Whilst PPG 9 does not actually other hand, there is recognition also of policies shown in the mention geology very often, it is clear at mineral extraction may reveal accompanying box. These do not that the policies it contains have implications of new planning policy guidance for important geological features. pretend to be the last word since, as considerable implications for noted earlier, there may need to be geological sites. In the main, the geological conservation Development planning flexibility to reflect local development control criteria are quite circumstances. They are, however, explicit, and I am confident that, in common with other SSSls and non­ Graham Culley, English Nature It may seem' somewhat illogical to a good starting point and are consider forward planning after already being accepted by some statutory sites, the protection and lanning Policy Guidance: Nature PPG 9 properly recognises that consideration to the presence of an development control, but it is in Department of the Environment enhancement of our geological Conservation (PPG 9) was nature conservation is not simply SSSI. Note also that the use ofthe fact the development control Regional Offices as correctly heritage will benefit from this new issued by the Department of the confined to designated sites. words "likely to affect" seems to requirements of PPG 9 that provide interpreting PPG 9. policy guidance.• Environment in October 1994. It sets Paragraph 15 says that "statutory and apply a precautionary principle - in out the Government's objectives and non-statutory sites, together with other words, there is no burden of the legal framework for nature countryside features which provide proof that a development would International sites conservation in England, addresses wildlife corridors, links or stepping definitely affect the site. the treatment of nature conservation stones from one habitat to another, all For sites meeting Geological "Proposals for development or land use which may affect a European site, a proposed European site or in development plans, and sets out help to form a network necessary to Conservation Review (GCR) criteria, a Ramsar site will be subject to the most rigorous examination. Development or land use change not development control criteria for Sites ensure the maintenance of the current as well as Nature Conservation directly connected with or necessary to the management of the site and which is likely to have significant of Special Scientific Interest and sites range and diversity of our flora, Review (NCR) sites and NNRs, a effects on the site (either individually or in combination with other plans or projects) will not be permitted with additional national and fauna, geological and landform planning authority must pay international designations. features and the survival of important particular regard to their national unless the authority is satisfied that: The PPG identifies a formal species". importance, thus adding another hierarchy of sites from the Some concern has already been important material consideration. i) there is no alternative solution; and internationally important - Special expressed that too strict an adherence For those geological SSSls which Protection Areas (SPAs) and Special to this approach is unrealistic in that are, coincidentally, 'European' sites ­ ii) there are imperative reasons for overriding public interest for the development or land use change. Areas of Conservation (SACs) (which it does not allow for flexibility to SPAs, SACs or Sites of Community will collectively form the Natura 2000 reflect local circumstances. The Importance (candidate SACs once Where the site concerned hosts a priority natural habitat type and/or a priority species, development or series) and Ramsar sites, through sites concept of sustainabihty requires the they have been agreed between the of national importance - National protection of what is increasingly Government and the European land use change will not be permitted unless the authority is satisfied that it is necessary for reasons of Nature Reserves (NNRs) and Sites of being called 'Critical Environmental Commission, but have not yet been human health or public safety or for beneficial consequences of primary importance for nature Special Scientific Interest (SSSls), to Capital' - those parts of the designated), any development conservation. ../.... regional and local sites - Local Nature environment which should be proposal must be subject to "the most Where such development does proceed, the authority will consider the use of conditions or planning Reserves (LNRs), Sites ofImportance regarded as irreplaceable. It is being rigorous examination". In practice, it obligations to secure all compensatory measures necessary to ensure that the overall coherence of Natura for Nature Conservation (SINCs) or argued in some quarters that that is likely that any such proposal will be 2000 is protected." equivalent and Regionally Important definition must include sites which subject to a full environmental Geological/geomorphological Sites come close to SSSI standard but have assessment. (RIGS). The Department clearly not been designated as such, but For RIGS and other non-statutory . National sites indicates that it expects development which are still an important sites, the position is not so clear. I ." plan policies and development control component of an area's Critical have already mentioned that the PPG "Proposals for development in or likely to affect Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) will be decisions to respect the relative Environmental Capital. The PPG sees RIGS as an important subject to special scrutiny. Where such development may have a significant adverse effect (directly or importance of these different levels of emphasises that local designations supplement to geological SSSls and indirectly) on the SSSIs, it will not be permitted unless the reasons for the development clearly outweigh designation. should only be applied to sites of as an important educational resource. the value of the site itself and the national policy to safeguard the intrinsic nature conservation value of Much of the content of PPG 9 substantive nature conservation It does not, however, suggest any the national network of such sites. emanates from the European value. It seems reasonable that if special protection for them; whilst Where the site is a National Nature Reserve (NNR) or a site identified under the Nature Conservation Community (EC) Directive on the local sites have been identified RIGS clearly fulfil the requirement Review (NCR) or Geological Conservation Review (GCR), particular regard will be paid to the Conservation of Natural Habitats and according to strict criteria, and for local sites to be of "substantive nature conservation value", they are individual site's national importance. ofWild Fauna and Flora (the preferably following wide Where development is permitted, the authority will consider the use of conditions or planning Habitats Directive). To that end, it consultations, mat they should be also subject to the requirement on might not seem to be of immediate regarded as a necessary constraint on local authorities to have regard to obligations to ensure the protection and enhancement of the site's nature conservation interest." relevance to geological conservation development. "the relative significance of and, indeed, PPG 9's opening international, national, local and informal designations". Sites designated locally paragraph largely addresses wildlife Development control and the conservation of biodiversity. Finally and, perhaps in some ways, "Development and land use change likely to have an adverse effect on a Local Nature Reserve (LNR), of greatest significance for many Clearly, however, many of the So what guidance does PPG 9 a Site ofImportance for Nature Conservation (SINC) or a Regionally Important habitats on which wildlife relies are offer about development control geological sites are development Geological/geomorphological Site (RIGS), or which would adversely affect the continuity and integrity of control requirements in respect of geological sites and many existing criteria for the various types of sites? listed landscape features, will not be approved unless it can be clearly demonstrated that there are reasons SPAs established under the EC Birds minerals developments, where an Because of the key importance of for the proposal which clearly outweigh the need to safeguard the intrinsic nature conservation value of Directive are also geological SSSls. all SSSls, development proposals in application in or likely to affect any There are, therefore, implications in or likely to affect them must be SSSI must be subject to the most the site or feature. PPG 9 for the protection of these and subject to "special scrutiny". This rigorous examination. This is a clear In all cases where development or land use change is permitted which would damage the nature other geological SSSls. Furthermore, seems to imply that a planning recognition of the devastating effects conservation value of the site or feature, such damage will be kept to a minimum. Where appropriate, the RIGS are recognised as important authority must go beyond the normal that can be caused by insensitive authority will consider the use of conditions and/or planning obligations to provide appropriate contributors to the whole nature "have regard to material mineral working. The PPG goes on compensatory measures." conservation resource. considerations" and give special to explain that, where permission is -.24 - 25 Scotland's first dinosaur - the real one! Michae/ Tay/or, Nationa/ Museums of Scat/and arlier this year, Neil Clark of the rock-obscured, bone home to clean known. The identification, as Hunterian Museum (University up. Herr Metz then took the confirmed and refined by Mike Eof Glasgow) reported Scotland's specimen to the Staatliches Museum Bemon of Bristol University, is also "first" undoubted dinosaur bone - the fur Naturkunde, Stuttgart, where Dr unusual - the bone is the right tibia of leg bone of a sauropod dinosaur, Rupert Wild identified it as the tibia an unknown ceratosaurian dinosaur. possibly Cetiosaurus, from the Middle or shinbone of a coelurosaurian Ceratosaurs, bipedal carnivores, were Jurassic of Skye (Clark, 1995). It (small theropod) dinosaur and the main group of carnivorous could have been the complete leg recommended its donation to the theropod dinosaurs during the early bone, if someone had not hacked a NMS. The NMS are very grateful to Jurassic. Our bone is most similar to large chunk out of the shaft! But Herr Metz and Dr Wild for thinking the tibia of the 6-metre long what Neil did not know when his of us once they realised the Dilophosaurus of 'Jurassic Park' article went to press was that the importance of the find. infamy, although obviously from a National Museums of Scotland We cleared the gift with the smaller animal (adult? juvenile?) that (NMS) had already acquired an even landowner, Sir lain Noble of Fearann was something like 1.5 metres long. earlier dinosaur bone. This minor Eilean Iarmain (Isle Ornsay Estates), The true size of the dinosaur is confusion, arising from the fact that who kindly agreed to allow the NMS unclear, as the now 13 centirnetre­ we did not know about the other's to retain the bone, but on the long bone is incomplete and its full bone, was entirely due to the conditions that it is eventually length unknown - it is also too worn regrettable modem need to withhold displayed on Skye and that concerns to justify naming a new species or information concerning sites of major about the possible vulnerability of the genus. new finds, until they can be checked site were addressed. To this end, we Another unusual feature of the for vulnerability. recruited David Martill of bone is that it was found in an The 'original' Skye dinosaur bone. (Photo copyright Trustees of the National Museums of Scotland) Neil and I at once got together and Portsmouth University, an ammonite-bearing marine bed. This produced a joint press release about experienced field worker on Jurassic is not, in itself, too surprising, as this a carcass washed out to sea from a basis that we receive the specimens in kind of publicity - soon after the press both "first" dinosaurs, and that went marine reptiles, to assess the site for is an inshore deposit and sporadic river, or the victim of a marine due course, We also hope.to continue release in January, an anonymous out in January 1995. The resulting any further remains and gather data finds of dinosaurs are known from predator, caught and dragged imo the funding mvid Martill to examine parcel containing the missing shaft of coverage was mixed - fair to excellent on the bone's provenance for a various British marine Lower Jurassic sea, like the action of modem killer various Scottish Jurassic sites for their the Middle Jurassic bone was in the Scottish nationals and the scientific report now in press (Benton sites, such as the dinosaur whales beaching themselves to catch future vertebrate-bearing potential, as delivered to Neil Clark at the amateur geological press, but almost et al., in tandem with Clark et al.). Scelidosaurus from the Lyme Regis­ sea lions. A third possibility, a complement to the newly published Hunterian! • nil in the London nationals. There No further remains were found, but Charmouth area of the Dorset coast suggested by memories of watching Geological Conservation Review must be a moral in the fact that the we are keeping the exact locality quiet (Bemon & Spencer, 1995). However, red deer feeding on intertidal volume (Bcmon & Spencer, 1995). dinosaurs' local paper, the West to avoid unnecessary aggravation. dinosaur bones are certainly not that seaweed, is that the dinosaur was Of course, and this is true for any References Highland Free Times, produced the Although the bone was found in a common, and it is rare to find one wading in the sea for some kind of site, there is little point in collecting most accurate story of all. loose block, it can be dated fairly when few, if any, of the presumably food, and was either drowned or specimens without a home for them Benton, M.]. & Spencer, P.S. The original "first" dinosaur find certainly to the Lower Jurassic Upper more common marine reptiles have caught by a predator. to go to and where they will be put to 1995. Fossil Reptiles of Great Britain. was actually made in the Strath area Broadford Beds (Sinemurian Stage), been collected, At the NMS, we don't see the Skye good use. Here at the National Geological Conservation Review of Skye in 1992 by Herr Matthias some 200 million years before the There is also the question of the ceratosaur as a one-off find to put on Museums of Scotland, we feel we Series, Chapman and Hall, Metz, a German amateur collector. present. This is unusual, as relatively isolated bone's provenance - how did display and forget once the formal have an excellent combination of London. He took the unidentified, and still few Lower Jurassic dinosaurs are it get there? Perhaps it is a remnant of paper is published, but rather as part national museum facilities for of our still fairly low-key, but long­ preparation, storage and research, Benton, M.]., Martill, D.M. & term, programme to improve our combined with an active exhibition Taylor, M.A. (in press). The first understanding and, if possible, the programme and a policy of Lower Jurassic dinosaur from NMS's collections of Scottish 'outIeach' -lending specimens to Scotland: limb bone of a ceratosaur Mesozoic vertebrates. Indeed, the local museums all over the country. theropod from Skye. Scottish NMS have formally identified the Communities such as that on Skye Journal of Geology. Mesozoic vertebrates of Scotland as a have legitimate concerns about the Clark, N. 1995. Scotland's firSt major priority in our recently revised apparent removal of their heritage, dinosaur. Earth Heritage, 3, 14. acquisitions policy. Since serious and if we are to be a truly national collecting began in the early 19th museum we must address these fears. Clark, N.D.L., Boyd, J.D., Dixon, Century, an alarming number of As far as the Skye ceratosaur bone R.]., & Ross, D.A. (in press). The Scottish Mesozoic vertebrate itself is concern~d, it is, at the time of first Middle Jurassic dinosaur from specimens have gone abroad to writing (May 1995), on display at the Scotland: a cetiosaurid? private co]Jections and museums Royal Museum of Scotland in (Sauropoda) from the Bathonian of outside Scotland, to the point where Edinburgh, but we are looking the Isle of Skye. Scottish Journal of the national collections are not fully fo.rward to seeing it displayed, maybe Geology. representative. However, matters are with other finds, on Skye itself _ improving. We are, for example, complete with bilingual texts. Paul, G.S. 1988. Predatory supporting preparation work on new FmaUy, a happy ending and a Dinosaurs of the World. Simon and The closest apparent relative of the Skye theropod • Dilophosaurus (6 metres long) from Jurassic rocks of the United States. specimens to aid research, on the moral about the merits of the right Schuster, New York. (Reconstruction drawing from Paul. 1988, by kind permission of Gregory Paul) -26 -27 - the potential for local groups Strengthening the Anglian North East Buckinghamshire to guide the national direction Hampshire Bedfordshire Cleveland Kent IIGS movem,ent of RIGS in England Cambridgeshire Durham Greater London Essex Northumberland Oxfordshire Greg Carson, The Wildlife Trusts and Mike Harley, English Nature Hertfordshire Tyne & Wear Surrey Lincolnshire North Humberside Sussex he RIGS (Regionally Important responsible for the national overview and integrate it with mainstream Norfolk North Yorkshire Isle ofWight Geological/geomorphological and implementation of strategic nature conservation. To further this, Northamptonshire South Yorkshire Sites) initiative has been initiatives to further the RIGS a new system is being set up in Suffolk West Yorkshire formally operative for over four years movement. Identification, notification England to provide those 'on the South West in England. Since July 1992, it has and enhancement of RIGS is in the ground' with greater control of the been serviced by a National RIGS hands of those involved with the movement's development nationally. Midlands North West Avon Officer, based at The Wildlife Trusts initiative locally. Cornwall national office in Lincoln. For RIGS to be sustainable in the Regional Working Groups Leicestershire & Rutland Cheshire Devon In addition to one-to-one local long term, opportunities must be Nottinghamshire Cumbria Dorset group support, the Officer is also grasped to strengthen the movement It is proposed that six Regional Herefordshire & Worcestershire Derbyshire Working Groups (RWGs) are Gloucestershire constituted, based largely on the Shropshire Lancashire Somerset () regional structure of The Wildlife Staffordshire Greater Manchester Wiltshire r;Jf Trusts (Figure 1). Each RWG will Warwickshire Merseyside '\)0 consist of five to nine RIGS groups. West Midlands Wales A Convenor will head each RWG. South East The proposed arrangement is given Berkshire in Table 1. This framework is Scotland flexible and may change according , to the requirements of each RIGS Table 1. Regional Working Groups and RIGS groups within them as of April 1995. ~ group. I The aim of the RWGs will be to: involvement of land owners, the Scotland and Wales I that proposed here. RIGS in requirement for a model Scotland is developing on an ad • Provide a mechanism for sharing constitution). These may be Such a regipnal structute will hoc basis at present, but progress information, experience and tackled in a number of ways, complem~lt the operation of is being made between Scottish SCOTLAND skills between RIGS groups including regional seminars, a best RIGS outside England. Wales Natural Heritage and Scottish within each region. practice manual and broadening now has in place the Association Wildlife Trust to take RIGS awareness of RIGS outside the forward in a well structured and • Guide the strategic direction of of Welsh RIGS Groups, a the RIGS movement nationally. movement. comparable arrangement to planned way.•

The RWGs will operate within the structure illustrated diagrammatically in Figure 2. Each RWG will represent the RIGS groups within their region and feed MIDLANDS into a National Forum to formulate I FORUM I. STRATEGIC / national RIGS policy. The National RIGS Officer, together • with English Nature's Voluntary Conservation Partnership, will remain in close contact with the ~ RWGs, enabling: / • A national overview of RIGS to be maintained. (RWG) (RWG) \ KWti ) I NETWORKING • Networking between groups, to be developed. • • Communication of relevant national issues to take place. , RIGS RIGS RIGS RIGS RIGS RIGS LOCAL The input from RWGs into the ACTION National Forum will enable a consensus to emerge on the priorities for action shared by many Figure 1. Proposed RIGS regions (April). RIGS groups (such as funding, Figure 2. Proposed future structure of RIGS. Forum = National Forum; RWG = Regional Working Groups; RIGS = local RIGS groups. -28 -29 The second part is a comprehensive few points that I am unhappy with. through the creation of fresh The work is now complete and Bookreview introduction to both theoretical and Creating the acronym NCA (for new exposures at several SSSIs and Blue Circle are to be congratulated on practical geology. It encompasses all country agencies) is unnecessary. Also s ets through increasing the awareness of the outcome - an excellent example of Earth Heritage Conservation scales, from the nature ofindividual the use of phrases such as "these are Quaternary scientists of the issues SSSI conservation in practice.• minerals to the formation of mountains, interpreted as having been...", "It is Edited by Chris Wilson, 1994, the involved in conserving our geological neatly incorporating the history of the thought that...", "Thus there is what is Geological Society in association with English Nature's public heritage. Further details about the Interpretation at one of development of some basic geological called " and "to convince ordinary the Open University, 272 pp, ISBN commitment visit can be obtained from Dr D R Edinburgh's volcanoes principles. Throughout, comments on people " give many parts of the text Bridgland, University of Durham, 1-897799-03-9, paperback, £15.00. conservation (for example, mineral an academic, sometimes patronising, Sarah FendleY"English Nature Department of Geography, Science Colin MacFadyen, Scottish Natural There is little doubt that the extraction affecting the local landscape; flavour which could so easily have been Laboratories, South Road, Durham Heritage the necessity for fresWy broken, conservation ofour geological and avoided. It is probably unfair to pick English Nature published a Charter DHl 3LE.• unweathered surfaces to study rocks, yet geomorphological heritage (earth out such points in a text in which document in April, in line with its only using a hammer sparingly) are heritage) is the Cinderella of nature typographical errors are minimal and commitment to providing a high integrated into the text, and the case conservation. Nevertheless, awareness which is higWy readable, incorporating a standard of service to the studies from the previous section are Blue Circle conserves of the subject is growing all the time. liberal sprinkling of humour, poetry and organisations and individuals it works Earth Heritage Conservation is a brave referred to and placed in a wider excellent analogies to make its case. Wealden site geological context. with. and largely successful attempt to The Charter outlines the John Patmore, English Nature provide a handbook to enhance this The third part looks in depth at Conclusion issues, procedures and techniques in minimum standards of senrice that process and enable any single person, The final chapter deals well with the Horton Clay Pit, a geological Site of earth heritage conservation. It covers customers and partners can expect including those with no knowledge or more philosophical aspects of earth Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) in the classification of sites and statutory from English Nature. It also covers experience of geology or conservation, heritage conservation in relation to West Sussex, is important for and non-statutory site protection, and how English Nature intends to to understand the need for and play a public awareness. Throughout the Wealden clay deposits which contain adds further detail to the case studies implement the six principles in the role in geological and geomorphological book, however, I feel that there is over­ Government's Citizen's Charter, fossil fauna from over 40 million years Norman Irons, Lord Provost of introduced previously. The final Edinburgh, and Lord Mansfield, conservation. optimism in effecting geological including its procedure for ago. Ammonites are particularly chapter, "Public Awareness", compares conservation through trying to convince Chairman and First Commissioner of the Content considering complaints and abundant and indicate that the clay Crown Estate, unveiling the interpretive the development of earth heritage people that landforms and geological conservation with wildlife conservation, suggestions for improving services. was originally deposited on the floor plaque in Prince's Street Gardens. The book is written in three parts; the sites are part of our heritage. The book (Photo copyright P R Consultants, Scotland) and although it does not come up with The service standards and of an ancient sea. first introduces earth heritage touches upon why wildlife conservation numbers and types of complaints will Blue Circle Industries, the site conservation, the second introduces any prescriptive conclusions, it reaches out to so many - "images of be monitored at regular int~n'als with owners, were extracting the clay and A plaque, partially funded by Scottish geology in the context of earth heritage undoubtedly forms the most thought­ whales or meadows of wild flowers". provoking chapter in the book a view to continually improving the are now overseeing a landfill Natural Heritage, has recently been conservation and the third looks at What it neglects to identify is that these quality of service that English Nature operation at the site. English Nature unveiled in Prince's Street Gardens, conservation in action. A useful "How The importance of safety in the field are icons of life and it is our reverence and obtaining permission for access is provides. negotiated with Blue Circle ro- retain a Edinburgh, in the shadow of the to use this book" preamble suggests for the living that forces us to think Copies of the Charter are available conservation face so that the clay imposing Castle Rock. The plaque, which parts would be most appropriate stressed throughout the book. about wildlife conservation in its own Technically, there are one or two free of charge from any of English could conti,v\le to be examined in situ. which marks the re-dedication of the to the reader's prior knowledge and right, as well as the way we interact with omissions which should have been Nature's local offices or by contacting The agreed solution was for Blue gardens by the Crown Estate experience. Each chapter (lOin all) is and depend upon the biosphere. As included, particularly when considering Publications, Communications and Circle to build a clay wall (bund) Commissioners to the City of prefixed by a "Study comment" and such, the book is right to question if the depth of coverage of other issues. In Grants Team, English Nature, around the edge of the area to be Edinburgh, informs visitors of the there are numerous exercises and public awareness of earth heritage the sections dealing with caves, karst Northminster House, Peterborough retained and to install a water pump rock's volcanic origins and its erosion activities within the text. These take a conservation should be approached in and limestone scenery, there is no PEl lUA. Telephone 01733318256 to keep the conservation face drained. during the Ice Age. 'hands-on' approach and encourage the the same way. Certainly, the link to mention oflimestone pavements and or fax 01733897629.• reader to think through the ideas landscape is a vital one, and much effort the threat from landscaping projects. presented and formulate independent is being focused in this direction by both Given that the book will be used as a Quaternary Research (Continued from page 13) form the chert;this thick silica conclusions. The book attempts to statutory and non-statutory practical manual, this should have been colloidal gel encased and perfectly reinforce the practical aspects of earth Association to visit lower addressed. Likewise, in chapter 9, the organisations. However, this will mouthparts, indicating that it may preserved the tiny plants and animals, heritage conservation and, as such, Thames sites National Scheme for Geological Site capture only a linlited audience. If we have pierced plant or animal tissue to often before much decay could take many of the exercises are fieldwork really wish to broaden awareness, we intake liquid food. The spider-like place, with the result that many of the Documentation (NSGSD) is rightly Neil Glasser, English Nature simulations. These are performed using identified as "a key operator in the have to be more imaginative than this. Palaeocharinus, up to 3 millimetres in plants were petrified in an upright field photographs in the accompanying Indeed, we have to take earth heritage length, was thought to be a predator (growth) position with their cell development of the RIGS scheme". Following the publication of the 12 page colour plate booklet. In However, under "Sources ofEarth conservation out of the scientific arena in the ecosystem, preying on the structure intact. The Rhynie Chert, addition, there is a set of rock specimens and think about ways of opening up the seventh Geological Conservation smaller arthropods. One of the most therefore, provides a unique window heritage information", there is no Review volume Quaternary ofthe that may be purchased independently to reference to geological data held by wonders of the Earth through different famous animals of the Rhynie into a complete ecosystem, frozen at accompany the book. media, enabling local action and Thames, the Quaternary Research ecosystem is the world's earliest a point in Earth history when life on wildlife trusts, local authorities, local Association (QRA) has announced a The first part is reasonably short and industry and, indeed, local people. allowing communities to regain their insect Rhyniella. This small, wingless land was gaining a foothold. introduces the reader to earth heritage sense of place within the environment. short field meeting to visit the lower insect was probably a scavenger, Now, thanks to the support of conservation through a series of case Layout and text style Overall, I feel that the book is reaches of the Thames. The meeting feeding on spores or micro-organisms staff and children at Rhynie Primary studies, illustrating the geological and perhaps a bit too biased towards the will take place between 13 and 16 that it found in the plant litter. School, this internationally famous conservation facets ofexample sites. Overall, there is no doubt that Earth 'scientific' value of earth heritage October 1995 and will visit numerous Alternatively, it may have fed on sap, fossil-filled rock forms a permanent Some basic terminology is introduced, Hen"tage Conservation forms a vital and conservation and could have been more Sites of Special Scientific Interest using its wel1-developed incisors to display, depicting the ancient when necessary, to enable accessible contribution to geological and adventurous in other directions, perhaps (SSSIs) in the Thames Valley, pierce the plant's cuticle. Finally, the environment at Rhynie and the understanding by any reader. Although geomorphological conservation, and will opening it up to an even wider including the famous Swanscombe presence of the aquatic shrimp history of its discovery through rock much of this section is repeated be an essential tool for those already audience. Despite this, the book SkuU site. English Nature is assisting Lepidocaris indicates that, specimens and interactive panels. It subsequently in the book, it does serve involved in wildlife conservation and for remains a flagship for the subject and, the QRA by funding and facilitating occasionally, the ecosystem was is hoped that the exhibit will to immediately capture interest and geologists and planners with a strong as such, it should be a vital tool to help site clearances and arranging access engulfed by floodwater from lakes or increase public awareness and outline some of the varying conflicts and interest in the subject. Although it may take earth heritage conservation forward to various localities. An associated streams. understanding of this remarkable problems that are encountered. be a bit too specialised for the general into the 21st Century.• accompanying field guide will be Periodically, this simple ecosystem time-capsule, a jewel in the crown of Repetition of some of the information reader, the informal style of writing and published by the QRA. English was inundated with boiling solutions Scottish geology, throughout the also serves to reinforce the basic the layout of the book will make it Greg Carson, Nature believes that the field meeting of silica-saturated water from nearby population of north-east Scotland principles being studied. accessible to all. There are, however, a The Wildlife Trusts will benefit geological conservation geysers and hor springs. Cooling to and beyond.• -30 31 Earth Heritage is published for English Nature, Scottish Natural Heritage and the Countryside Council for Wales.

(YNGOR SCOTTISH CEfN CWlAO NATURAL (YMRU €N COUNTRYSIDE HERITAG,e COUNCIL ENGLISH FOR WALES NATURE [~~~I

Published by Communications and Grants Team, English Nature, Northminster House, Peterborough PEI 1UA ISSN 0142-2324 © English Nature 1995