Chapter 2 The need for Earth heritage conservation

Exceptional Earth heritage sites

Many people are aware of the need for the conservation of the natural world. Reports about pollution, disappearing rain forests and the extinction of species have increased our perception of the need to protect the natural environment. Rocks, minerals, fossils, soils and landforms are an integral part of our natural world. The distribution of habitats, plants and animals depends not only upon climate, but also upon the geology and landscape.

As well as being a fundamental part of the natural world, geology and landscape have had a profound influence on society and civilisation. Our use of the land, for agriculture, forestry, mining, quarrying and for building homes and cities is intimately related to the underlying rocks, soils and landforms. Moreover, economic resources such as coal, oil, gas and metal ores have played an important role in the industrial development of Britain, particularly during the Industrial Revolution.

The heritage value of sites and the importance of conserving them can be summarised under six themes:

• the international significance of Earth heritage sites
• exceptional Earth heritage sites
• Earth science research
• environmental forecasting
• Earth heritage sites in education and training
• Earth heritage as a cultural and ecological resource.

The international significance of earth heritage sites

Much of the early knowledge of the history of the Earth was developed in Britain (see Chapter 3), and many British sites have played a part in the development of now universally applied principles of geology. These sites have great historical importance. For example, many of the names of periods of geological time are derived from Britain. Many other sites serve as international reference sections. By reference to these international 'standards' (Figure 2), the relative ages of rocks all over the world can be compared. Other internationally important British reference sites include those where rocks, minerals and fossils were first described. Such sites must be conserved so that they can continue to be used as the standard references.

Exceptional earth heritage sites

There are many sites in Britain which are of international importance because of their exceptional nature. For example, rocks from Charnwood in Leicestershire (Figure 3) have yielded some of the oldest multi-celled animal fossils in the world. Similarly, a site at Rhynie in Scotland (see (Figure 46)) contains some of the oldest known fossils of higher plants, insects, arachnids (mites and spiders) and crustaceans. They occur in an exceptionally well-preserved state; so much so, that the microscopic detail and cell structures of the original organisms can be studied. Such sites are rare and are an irreplaceable part of the Earth heritage of the world.

Earth science research

The geology of Britain provides a resource for research (Figure 4). Natural rock outcrops and landforms, and artificial exposures of rock created in the course of mining, quarrying and engineering works, are crucial to our understanding of Britain's Earth heritage. Future research may help to resolve current geological problems, support new theories and develop innovative techniques or ideas only if sites are available for future study.

Environmental forecasting

Understanding how processes have operated in the past — the climate system, soil formation, desertification and the evolution and extinction of plants and animals — contributes to our comprehension of the problems of the present. We may be able to use this knowledge to forecast volcanic activity, earthquakes or changes in climate. For example, by studying the dynamics of natural systems, such as rivers and coasts, it may be possible to predict how land and coastal processes will operate in the future. This will aid flood prediction and management, the mapping of physically hazardous areas and coastal management.

Evidence from the sediments and landforms, particularly over the past 15,000 years, shows that the natural environment is highly sensitive to climatic change. Further study will throw light on possible future changes in the climate system and the faunal, floral and environmental responses to such changes (Figure 5).

As well as recording natural changes, the sediments in lakes and bogs provide records of the effects of human activities on the environment through pollution, vegetation changes (including forest clearance) and soil erosion. These records are important for assessing the effects of current human activity.

Earth heritage sites in education and training

Earth heritage sites are essential for training and education. Students and teachers need sites for practical demonstration of the principles of geology and to illustrate the processes of landscape evolution (Figure 6)a.

The use of rocks and minerals, water and the energy derived from fossil and nuclear fuels, are at the centre of modern society and are essential to its economic well-being. Trained geologists are needed to locate and extract oil and gas (Figure 6)b, metal ores and the raw materials for the construction industry, such as clays for brickmaking, stone for building and aggregates for concrete. Geologists also discover aquifers, and locate reservoirs and sites for major engineering projects.

The earth heritage as a cultural and ecological resource

Geological features contribute to the aesthetic and ecological quality of landscape as part of the cultural heritage of Britain (Figure 7).

Geology trails, visitor centres, museums, show caves and mines open to the public, enhance and deepen our appreciation of the Earth heritage. Some places attract hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.