Bucks Earth Heritage GroupRIGS - Regionally Important Geological & Geomophological SitesWhat are RIGS?Regionally Important Geological and Geomorphological Sites (RIGS) are identified as being of great importance locally. Any site of national importance will be afforded protection under the SSSI system (Sites of Special Scientific Interest) which are administered by Natural England. Each County has a RIGS group composed of volunteers with an interest in geology and who wish to enjoy and protect it. There are now more than 50 RIGS groups across the UK. How is a site selected as a RIGS?When the RIGS group first set up in Buckinghamshire it was necessary to undertake a full survey of the County to assess what geology is present, what is visible and how much is in danger of being lost. The County already has 9 geological SSSIs (see details of these under SSSI), but RIGS are selected in a different way to these, as they are of local or regional interest. Each RIGS group has an agreed selection criteria (ours can be viewed via the button above), but there is national agreement on 4 criteria:
What level of protection do RIGS have?RIGS are an equivalent to local Wildlife Sites and other non-statutory wildlife designations. Some RIGS also coincide with local nature conservation sites. When the group identifies and agrees on a site being designated as a RIGS it is submitted to the local authority and hence can be shown on 'alert maps'. In this way, the site will be taken into consideration through the planning system and the local planning authority. How does it work?Not all RIGS groups retained the name. Some, like Buckinghamshire, have changed their name. 'Bucks RIGS' was changed to the Bucks Earth Heritage Group to reflect the strength of the heritage link at a time when strong links were being forged with local wildlife, archaeological and historical groups. Once a site is selected, the day-to-day conservation and management of sites depends upon agreements and cooperation with local landowners. The site information is logged with BMERC at the Bucks County Museum Technical Centre, and the site is recorded on GIS map data and recommended for inclusion on the 'alert' lists of the local planning authority. The group continue to assess the site, managing it as appropriate, while also raising awareness of the general public to these sites and explaining why they are important. In order to do this the BEHG provides information, education material, leaflets, books and leads field visits. Getting involvedThere are many opportunities to get involved with the activities of the group. Although expertise is needed in the process of selecting and interpreting sites, most of the group are members of the general public. The group needs people with an enjoyment of their local geology, and who want to know more. Sites are more than 'just geology' we need people who have expertise in wildlife or archaeology. We need people who can advise on conservation techniques, fencing, education, computers and IT - we need a treasurer - the list is endless! You can also just join to come and enjoy a walk or a talk.
Medmenham Chalk Pit in 1920 and below the degraded face in 2006
Site selectionSites are selected as satisfying one or more of the following criteria:
Buckinghamshire RIGS are divided into two local authority areas: Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes Buckinghamshire:
Milton Keynes:
A total of 34 RIGS
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