Natural England - Geological Conservation

Introduction
Protected Sites
Beyond SSSIs
Strategy
People and Policies
References

People and Policies
- Introduction
- Policy
- People

People and policies

Geology and geomorphology play a major role in landscape development. Geological diversity has produced a diverse range of habitats and natural resources, which in turn have shaped human land use patterns. The location of many of our major settlements has been determined by easy access to coal and iron, and our rural land use is influenced by the livestock or crops which suit particular landscapes and soil types.

Geology is under our feet and all around us, it is an integral part of how we live and is relevant to the policy decisions we make on a day to day basis. For example, the spectacular geology of the Dorset and Cornwall coasts attracts numerous visitors, helping to sustain the economically important local tourist industries.

Less encouragingly, national and local policies relating to coastal protection, landfill and some aspects of mineral extraction can damage and destroy highly important geological sites through burying or obscuring of key features. It is essential that we work with decision makers to develop positive geological conservation policies at national, regional and local level. It is equally important that we work in partnership with other geological and conservation groups to conserve sites and raise awareness of the importance of our geological resource and the need to conserve it.

	Policy

	People