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.