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RIGS - Regionally Important Geological and Geomorphological Sites
Yet another acronym. RIG sites are intended to complement the geological and
geomorphological SSSIs (Sites of Special Scientific Interest) already established. The
sites are regarded as sufficiently important to warrant protection, but are not as important
as SSSIs. In practice, it will be difficult if not impossible to have any further geological
or geomorphological (landform) SSSIs designated, so new sites, however important, are
likely to be designated at the RIGS level. The reporting of sites and the work leading up
to their designation will largely be in the hands of local experts and interested parties,
working together as a local RIGS group, with a large degree of support from English
Nature. One aim is to make planners, developers and landowners aware of the
importance and value of the sites and afford them protection.
The RIGS group in Essex became defunct a few years ago but now is being revivified.
The group is anxious to publicise its presence and activities and to attract new members.
It should be stressed that scientific knowledge is not essential and that the RIGS group
would welcome people interested to learn more.
It will comprise (a) a central steering group and (b) a wider network of interested
members. The steering group is to oversee and direct the group's priorities, the selection
of RIGS, publicity and so on. Members of the steering group are people with a particular
interest or expertise to offer or are representatives of relevant organisations, such as the
Field Club. Peter Allen represents the Field Club but several other members of the Club
are in the steering group, wearing other hats, such as Graham Ward and Gerald Lucy
(Essex Rock and Mineral Society) and David Turner (Essex Geologists' Association).
Members of the Field Club who feel they have a contribution to make as a member of the
steering group or who wish to be kept informed of developments and activities as an
interested member should contact:
Jenny Bowen or Chris Gibson
English Nature, Harbour House, Hythe Quay, Colchester C02 8JF
The group has had one meeting so far (15 January 1999) and is in the process of defining
its aims. These have not been finalised but are likely to cover matters such as :
• Identifying geological and geomorphological sites for RIGS designation
• Recording the sites and informing planners of their presence for protection
• Influencing the management of sites
• Raising the awareness and interest of geology and geomorphology in Essex.
We would also welcome information from members who do not want to be involved in
the RIGS group but who feel there is an outcrop in a coastal section, quarry, stream bank
or wherever or an interesting landform suitable for our attention. In some cases, the
integrity of an important floral or faunal site may depend on its geology or landform
position. There may be a case for designating the site because of the inter-relationship.
A RIGS designation may help protect the natural history.
Peter Allen
BIODIVERSITY EVENTS: Launch of the Essex Biodiversity Action Plan.
The Essex Biodiversity Action Plan has been officially launched. On 9th March an event
was held at the Essex Showground, Great Leighs hosted by the The Association of Essex
Councils. The main speaker was David Goode, Director of London Ecology Unit, who is
heavily involved in the national biodiversity planning and in London's Biodiversity
Essex Field Club Newsletter No. 29, May 1999