Earth science
(2004)
JNCC
This document sets out a framework for setting - and assessing achievement of - conservation objectives for Earth science sites based on physical types of site (e.g. coastal cliff, disused quarry) rather than directly for Earth science interest features.
Earth Science
This document sets out a framework for setting - and assessing
achievement of - conservation objectives for Earth science sites
based on physical types of site (e.g. coastal cliff,
disused quarry) rather than directly for Earth science interest
features. This framework is chosen because sites of similar
physical type have similar site-management requirements that
dictate broad monitoring strategies. However, sites of
different physical type can be designated as SSSI/ASSIs
for the same 'Interest Feature' and it is in the interest
feature that we are most interested ultimately. After all, sites
are SSSIs/ASSIs because of their geological significance, such as
rock age or type, not simply because they happen to be disused
quarries or coastal cliffs.
The definition of Earth science interest features for
monitoring must relate to the site selection categories used in the
Geological Conservation Review (GCR) and Earth Science Conservation
Review (ESCR) programmes which underpin the SSSI and ASSI sites
that have important Earth science features. The detailed reasons
for why a particular site qualified for selection for a GCR/ESCR
site selection category (called a 'Block') are documented in
SSSI/ASSI citations, the GCR Series of publications and in country
conservation agency site archives.
In the Earth sciences, it is the combination of ESCR and GCR
'Blocks' that is used as the 'interest feature' list.
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ISBN ISSN 1743-8160
Please cite as: JNCC, (2004), Earth science, February 2004, ISBN ISSN 1743-8160