The Tees Valley RIGS Group was set up in 2003 to catalogue all sites of geologic or geomorphologic interest in the Tees Valley and try to get them recognised to protect them for the future. Regionally Important Geologic and Geomorphologic Sites (RIGS), designated by locally driven criteria, are currently the most important places for geology and geomorphology outside statutorily protected land such as Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). A locally determined RIGS designation at a location of one way of recognising and protecting geodiversity for the future.
Between 1990 and 1997 many SSSI sites were de-notified, removing them from the SSSI classification protection. To continue protection of these special geological sites the RIGS designation was developed.
RIGS locations are designated by locally developed criteria. The sites are selected and designated according to their value for:
educational fieldwork in primary and secondary schools, undergraduate level and adult education courses,
scientific study by both postgraduates, professional and amateur earth scientists,
historical significance in terms of earth science knowledge and local heritage value,
aesthetic value of the landscape.
If a site is of geologic or geomorphic interest and meets one or more of the RIGS criteria then it can be put forward for designation with the local authorities in order to be recognised and protected. It is worth noting that not all geodiversity can be protected and designated as RIGS status but that is not to say that it has no value, it just doesn’t meet the standard for RIGS designation. Geodiversity is around us everywhere and it would be impractical to designate the whole surface of the earth as a RIGS location so RIGS groups have to be selective.
Why do we need RIGS designation?
Most RIGS have been overlooked in the Tees Valley. RIGS locations are at risk from a variety of activities including:
landfill projects
inappropriate or poorly planned reclamation schemes
housing/industrial developments
ignorance/neglect
Geodiversity is a fragile, finite and unique snapshot of another time which, once destroyed, cannot be recreated. Tees Valley RIGS group works closely with the Tees Valley Wildlife trust, especially the original Geodiversity Office Andrew Carter and the new Natural Heritage Awareness Officer Beth Addis. Since its formation in 2003 85 sites have been surveyed and 35 have been given RIGS designations. The Tees Valley RIGS group consists of dedicated local volunteers from a wide range of backgrounds interested in preserving our geological and geomorphic heritage. The group consists of regular volunteers coming from local geological associations, local aggregates industries, education and the general public. As well as surveying the whole area the RIGS group have created six interpretation boards for some of our most recognisable features including Roseberry Topping and Hunt Cliff in Saltburn.
The RIGS group have played an integral part in the creation of the Tees Valley Geodiversity Action Plan.
Tees Valley RIGS Group
The Tees Valley RIGS Group was set up in 2003 to catalogue all sites of geologic or geomorphologic interest in the Tees Valley and try to get them recognised to protect them for the future. Regionally Important Geologic and Geomorphologic Sites (RIGS), designated by locally driven criteria, are currently the most important places for geology and geomorphology outside statutorily protected land such as Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). A locally determined RIGS designation at a location of one way of recognising and protecting geodiversity for the future.
Between 1990 and 1997 many SSSI sites were de-notified, removing them from the SSSI classification protection. To continue protection of these special geological sites the RIGS designation was developed.
RIGS locations are designated by locally developed criteria. The sites are selected and designated according to their value for:
If a site is of geologic or geomorphic interest and meets one or more of the RIGS criteria then it can be put forward for designation with the local authorities in order to be recognised and protected. It is worth noting that not all geodiversity can be protected and designated as RIGS status but that is not to say that it has no value, it just doesn’t meet the standard for RIGS designation. Geodiversity is around us everywhere and it would be impractical to designate the whole surface of the earth as a RIGS location so RIGS groups have to be selective.
Why do we need RIGS designation?
Most RIGS have been overlooked in the Tees Valley. RIGS locations are at risk from a variety of activities including:
Geodiversity is a fragile, finite and unique snapshot of another time which, once destroyed, cannot be recreated. Tees Valley RIGS group works closely with the Tees Valley Wildlife trust, especially the original Geodiversity Office Andrew Carter and the new Natural Heritage Awareness Officer Beth Addis. Since its formation in 2003 85 sites have been surveyed and 35 have been given RIGS designations. The Tees Valley RIGS group consists of dedicated local volunteers from a wide range of backgrounds interested in preserving our geological and geomorphic heritage. The group consists of regular volunteers coming from local geological associations, local aggregates industries, education and the general public. As well as surveying the whole area the RIGS group have created six interpretation boards for some of our most recognisable features including Roseberry Topping and Hunt Cliff in Saltburn.
The RIGS group have played an integral part in the creation of the Tees Valley Geodiversity Action Plan.