North West Highlands Geopark (2016) North West Highlands Geopark Geodiversity Audit and Action Plan 2013–2016
Additional notes: These web pages are sourced from the PDF North West Highlands Geopark Geodiversity Audit and Action Plan 2013–2016
Part 2: Local Geodiversity Action Plan
This LGAP has been developed as a consequence of, and is based upon, the Geodiversity Audit for the North West Highlands Geopark (NWHG).
The primary aim of this LGAP is to enhance recognition and understanding of geodiversity and also to identify appropriate actions to conserve and develop the geodiversity of the NWHG, whilst promoting and managing its sustainable use. Furthermore, to assist in the development of a regional strategy for the conservation of geodiversity and the sustainable use of geological resources for amenity, education and research.
The key objectives are:-
- To ensure the future maintenance of the Geodiversity Audit of the NWHG.
- To facilitate the protection, conservation and promotion of the geodiversity of the NWHG.
- To facilitate the inclusion of geodiversity in relevant plans, strategies and policies of all appropriate local authority departments and other relevant organisations.
- To raise awareness of geodiversity among local authority elected members and relevant personnel, government agencies, professional partners, landowners/estates and their managers, across all levels of education and throughout the general public.
- To create a positive and sustainable feedback system enabling reporting, monitoring and review of the LGAP to partners and other relevant/interested parties and organisations.
- To create a sustainable LGAP which will actively assist the NWHG in pursuing funding to enable it to achieve its aim.
Partners
It is envisaged that the partners listed below may be involved in helping the North West
Highlands Geopark to develop and deliver the actions listed in this LGAP:-
ACC — Assynt Community Council
BGS — British Geological Survey
CCC — Coigach Community Council
DCC — Durness Community Council
GCUK — GeoConservation UK
SDCC — Scourie & District Community Council
SGF — Scottish Geodiversity Forum
SNH — Scottish Natural Heritage
SP — Sutherland Partnership
GSS — Grampian Speleological Society
HGS — Highland Geological Society
HIE — Highlands and Islands Enterprise
JMT — John Muir Trust
KCC — Kinlochbervie Community Council
LE — Landowners/Estates
SWT — Scottish Wildlife Trust
THC — The Highland Council
TSG — The Scottish Government
UHI — University of the Highlands & Islands Millennium Institute
UKU — Other UK Universities (Earth Sciences, or related Departments)
VS — Visit Scotland
NB. This is not intended as an exclusive list of those partners involved, but those who are central to help the NWHG implement the recommended actions. It may be added to during the life of this LGAP. It is also not implicit that these partners either agree with or have signed up to the actions listed in this plan.
Action Plan
This indicative action plan is intended to guide the work of the NWHG and its partners in achieving the recommended objectives contained within each of the following four themes:-
Theme 1 — Understanding more about the Geodiversity of the NWHG
Theme 2 — Conserving the Geodiversity of the NWHG
Theme 3 — Interpreting the Geodiversity of the NWHG
Theme 4 — Education and lifelong learning about the Geodiversity of the NWHG
Within each theme, a series of objectives is listed (numbered consecutively from the start of the action plan), identifying what is required to be achieved over the period 2013–2016. Each objective contains a series of actions (numbered consecutively for each objective) identifying any work required towards meeting that objective, plus listing of relevant partners (see abbreviations above), priority (i.e. high, medium or low) and timescale.
| Theme 1 ? understanding more about the Geodiversity of the NWHG | ||||
| Objective | Action | Partners | Priority | Timescale |
| 1, To create a sustaining LGAP wich will acively pursue funding to enable it to achieve its aim | 1: Have all partners signed up to deliver and assist in delivering this LGAP, as appropriate | All as listed above | High | Immediate |
| 2: Secure sustainable funding for the delivery of this LGAP | BGS, HIE, JMT, LE, SNH, SP, SWT, THC, TSG, UHI, VS | High | Immediate. | |
| 3: Appoint a qualified Geoscientist for NWHG who can represent the interests of NWHG in the delivery of this LGAP and who can fulfil the role of Geodiversity officer | BGS, HIE, SNH, THC | High | Immediate | |
| 4: Continue to hold membership of the European Geoparks Network (EGN) and the Global Geoparks Network (GGN) and proactively develop the already well-established links between NWHG and the EGN, GGN and the scientific division of UNESCO. Attend meetings of these organisations and network extensively in order to experience best practice in:- communication of Geodiversity to society; sustainable implementation of LGAPs; and researching appropriate funding streams. | BGS, HIE, SNH, THC, TSG. | High | 2013-2016 | |
| 5: Represent the interests of the NWHG and play an active role within the Scottish Geodiversity Forum. | BGS, SGF, SNH, TSG | High | 2013-2016 | |
| To maintain and update existing data, acquire improved data and support new research into the Geodiversity of the NWHG | 1: Ensure regular updating and maintenance of the Geodiversity Audit (or Geodiversity Asset Register) | BGS, HGS, SNH | High | Annually |
| 2: Establish links with academic institutions and support studies linked to their research priorities | UHI, UKU | Medium | 2013-2016. | |
| 3: Acquire, maintain and keep updated sets of maps, books, reports, scientific papers, studies and create, maintain and keep updated a photographic library on the Geodiversity | HGS, JMT, SNH, SWT, THC, UHI | High | 2013-2016 | |
| 4: Establish and maintain a master database of all sites and features and other relevant information and records on a GIS, including management and interpretation records | : BGS, SNH, THC, UHI | High | 2013-2016. | |
| Theme 2 ? conserving the Geodiversity of the NWHG | ||||
| 3. to ensure that important sites and features are protected from the adverse impacts of any new developments | 1: Plan and deliver a series of seminars/workshops to THC planning officials and landowners/estates and their managers, highlighting the GA and LGAP and raising awareness of the Geodiversity of the NWHG, its importance as a resource, significance and relevance within the planning system and relevant conservation issues. | : BGS, LE, SGF, SNH, THC | High | 2013. |
| 2: Promote the Scottish Geodiversity Charter to THC planning officials and landowners/estates and their managers | BGS, LE, SGF, SNH, THC, TSG | High | 2013 | |
| 3: Provide information to landowners/estates and their managers on the location and importance of geological features (especially those listed in the GA) on land which they own or control. | HIE, JMT, LE | High | 2013-2016 | |
| 4: Promotion of specialist advice available from NWHG | BGS, SNH, THC, TSG | High | 2013-2016 | |
| 4. to monitor the condition of GCR sites | 1: Undertake bi-annual survey of condition of listed GCR sites by qualified geoscientist and incorporate findings in updated GA and LGAP. | BGS, SNH | Low | 2015 onwards |
| 5. to conserve the geological interest and significance of individual sites and features having high conservation requirements | 1. Durness (NWHG ref 008). There is generally a low conservation requirement. There is however, a degree of risk of over-sampling and over-hammering by geologists/students. This may be helped by promoting greater awareness of the relevant codes among geologists and education of students via a leaflet to be produced and made available through the NWHW. | BGS, SNH, UHI, UKU | low | 2016 |
| 2. Sandwood Bay (NWHG ref 009). A notice is requiredto be erected at the start of the walkers' path to Sandwood Bay outlining the fragility of the beach-dune system and asking walkers to be respectful in their activities. Also, a leaflet highlighting the key aspects of the site, its significance and its susceptibility to human activities should be commissioned and subsequently made available in a dispenser at the start of the walkers' path. | SNH, THC, JMT | Medium | 2013-16 | |
| 3. Loch Laxford (NWHG ref 011). The existing Rock Route location at a layby on the A 838 ("Multicoloured Rock-Stop") requires a further notice detailing the significance and importance of the roadside exposures here (a series of high rock-faces on the eastern side of the road). Periodic monitoring (annual) by a geoscientist is required. | SNH, UKU | Medium | 2013-16 | |
| 4. Camas nan Buth (NWGH Ref 017). The relatively small area of extremely important garnet-bearing rock-exposure requires protection against over-hammering and over-collecting. Prepare a leaflet outlining the significance and fragility of the exposure. | BHS, SNH, UKU | High | 2013-14 | |
| 5. Skiag Bridge (NWHG ref 024). The rock-face is presently suffering the effects of over-hammering and sampling and is becoming fragile in its general condition, and very fragile where pipe rock is exposed. There is an immediate requirement for a sign to be located at the roadside, outlining the importance and fragility of the site. Period monitoring (every 6 months) is also required. | BGS, SNH, IUKU | High | Immediately/6 monthly | |
| 6. Traligill Caves (NWHG ref 028). Regular monitoring of the cave features required. | BGS, GSS,SNH, THC | Medium | Annually | |
| 7. Trailigill Valley (NWHG ref. 029). Moderate risk of irresponsible hammering. Regular monitoring of the karst features required. Requirement for a sign to be erected at the start of the walkers' path | BGS, SNH, THC | Medium | Annually | |
| 8. Creag nan Uamh Caves (NWHG refs. 032 and 033). Regular monitoring required plus erection of a sign highlighting the significance and fragility of the exposures | BGS, GSS, SNH, THC. | Medium | 6 monthly. | |
| 9. Allt nan Uamh Caves (NWHG ref 034). Regular monitoring required plus erection of a sign highlighting the significance and fragility of the exposures. | BGS, GSS, SNH, THC | Medium | 6 monthly | |
| 10. Bear Cave (NWHG Ref 035). Regular monitoring required plus erection of a sign highlighting the significance and fragility of the exposures. | BGS, GSS, SNH, THC | Medium | 6 monthly. | |
| 11. Loch Awe Quarry (NWGH Ref 044). Regular monitoring required plus erection of a sign highlighting the significance and fragility of the exposures | BGS, SNH, THC. | Medium | Annually | |
| 13. Enard Bay (NWHG ref 051). The exposures of stromatolitic limestones require to be monitored occasionally | BGS, SNH, THC | Low | 2016. | |
| 14. Stac Pollaidh (NWHG ref 060). Long-term monitoring of scree slopes on south-west face where these are close to the existing walkers' path | BGS, SNH, THC | Low | bi-annually | |
| 15. Stac Fada (NWHG ref 063). Requirement to ensure that over-hammerina and over-samolina do not occur and that key features of the relatively narrow exposure are not damaged. Regular monitoring required plus erection of a sign highlighting the significance and fragility of the exposures. | BGS, SNH, THC | Medium | 6 monthly. | |
| 16. Smoo Cave (NWHG ref 064). Regular monitoring required of the innermost parts of the main (outer) cave pus the smaller inner cave, plus erection of a sign at the main cave entrance highlighting the significance and fragility of the exposures. | BGS, GSS, SNH, THC | Medium | 6 monthly | |
| Theme 3 ? interpreting the geodiversity of the NWHG | ||||
| 6. To increase awareness of the geological heritage of the NWHG | 1: Produce a general introductory leaflet about the NWHG, suitable for wide distribution to visitors at appropriate facilities within the NWHG and at VICs, both within and outwith the NWHG. | ACC, BGS, CCC, DCC, HIE, KCC, LE, SDCC, SGF, SNH, SP, THC, VS | Medium | 2013-2014 |
| 2: Produce a geological (Geodiversity?) guide specifically designed for the NWHG, suitable for people with very little or no knowledge of geology and filling the gap in level/understanding between that of the recently published Geological Excursion Guide to the North West Highlands of Scotland and nothing at all. Aimed at the majority of visitors, geotourists, local communities. | ACC, BGS, CCC, DCC, GCUK, GSS, HGS, HIE, JMT, KCC, LE, SDCC, SGF, SNH, SP, SWT, THC, VS | Medium | 2013-2015 | |
| 3: Research and develop a series of 10 separate geotrails, each featuring different key aspects of the Geodiversity of the NWHG, and prepare an accomDanvina leaflet (to include maDs. Photos. etc.) for each geotrail. Geotrails to be suitable for the general public (include some with all abilities access). | ACC, BGS, CCC, DCC, GSS, JMT, KCC. LE. SDCC, SNH, THC, VS | Medium | 2013-2015 | |
| 4: Plan and hold a one-day seminar and public launch event for all the partners and members of the public, introducing them to the NWHG and this LGAP. | all as listed | High | Immediate | |
| 5. Employ two part-time geo-guides to help with the delivery of programmes of guided walks during the main visitor season and support the work of the Geoscientist in other ways. These posts could be filled by undergraduate students pursuing courses of study in the Earth Sciences and represent valuable employment opportunities especially for local people residing within the NWHG. | BGS, SNH, HIE, UHI, UKU | High | 2013-16 | |
| 7. To interpret key sites and features of geological interest. | 1. SANGO BAY (NWHG REF. 005). Provide an interpretation panel at the car park adjacent to the VIC, overlooking the bay. Consult closely with the Highland Council Countryside Ranger based at the VIC | BGS, SNH, THC | Medium | 2013-2015 |
| 2. FARAIDH HEAD (NWHG REF. 006). Provide an interpretation panel, to be located at the car park at Balnakeil beach, which will also provide interpretation for BALNAKEIL (NWHG REF. 007). Consult closely with the Highland Council Countryside Ranger based at Durness. | BGS, SNH, THC. | Medium | 2013-2015 | |
| 3. SANDWOOD BAY (NWHG REF. 009). Provide an interpretation panel at the approach to the beach, illustrating the key elements of the beach-dune system and explaining the geomorphological significance of the site. | BGS, SNH, THC, JMT | Medium | 2013-2015 | |
| 4. SCOURIE BAY (NWHG REF. 015). Provide an interpretation panel at the south side of Scourie Bay, adjacent to the cemetery car park, highlighting the Scourie Dyke swarm (in general), the "Graveyard Dyke" (south side bay), the "Geologist's Dyke" (north side bay) and the surrounding Lewisian Gneiss | BGS, SNH, THC | High | 2013 | |
| 5. CAMAS NAM BUTH (NWHG REF. 017). Provide interpretation by combining with the panel recommended for SCOURIE BAY (NWHG REF. 015). | BGS, SNH, THC | High | 2013 | |
| 6. STOER (NWHG REF. 020). Research suitable sites and provide interpretation panels serving the three locations of Clachtoll, Stoer and Culkein. | BGS, SNH, THC | High | 2013 | |
| 7. SKIAG BRIDGE (NWHG REF. 024). Provide a roadside interpretation panel suitable for both geological specialists and the general public. | BGS, SNH, THC | High | 2013 | |
| 8. BEINN GHARBH (NWHG REF. 025). Provide an interpretation panel of the view looking southwards from the layby on the west side of the A 894 at the top of Skiag Hill. | BGS, SNH, THC | High | 2013 | |
| 9. TRALIGILL BURN (NWHG REF. 027). Provide an interpretation panel at the start of the walk eastwards into the Traligill valley. | BGS, SNH, THC | High | 2013 | |
| 10. TRALIGILL VALLEY (NWHG REF. 029). Research suitable site locations for the erection of interpretation panels at strategic points up the valley adjacent to the walkers' path | BGS, SNH, THC | High | 2013 | |
| 11. STRONCHRUBIE CLIFF (NWHG REF. 030). Examine the suitability and practicability of providing an interpretation panel beside the existing Rock Route panel located in the layby on the west side of the A 837, but describing the view of the cliffs whilst looking eastwards. | BGS, SNH, THC | High | 2013. | |
| 12. ALLT NAN UAMH CAVES (NWHG REF. 034). Research the potential for a general information panel to be located at the "Bone Caves" car park adjacent to the A 837. | BGS, GSS, SNH, THC | Medium | 2013-2016 | |
| 13. BEAR CAVE (NWHG REF. 035). Provide an explanatory leaflet describing the process of cave formation/development in limestone rocks and covering the range of vertebrate faunas found here | BGS, GSS, SNH, THC | High | 2013 | |
| 15. CAM LOCH (NWHG REF. 048). Provide an interpretation panel at the Elphin Cemetery access point. | BGS, SNH, THC | Medium | 2013-2015 | |
| 16. TRAIGH ALLT CHAILGEAG (NWHG REF. 055). Provide 2 interpretation panels, one at the car park on the landward (southern) side of the A 838 and the other towards the western end of the beach with a good outlook westwards onto the high rock-face. Highlight the concept of boudinage and summarise the main points of the Lewisian Gneiss and its complex history. | BGS, SNH, THC | High | 2013 | |
| 17. STRATH DIONARD (NWHG REF. 056). Provide an interpretation panel, highlighting the classic U-shaped features of this long glaciated Strath, to be sited on the east side of the A 838 at a suitable layby. | BGS, LE, SNH, THC | High | 2013 | |
| 18. LOCH GLENDHU (NWHG REF. 057). Provide an interpretation panel at the main car park on the north side of the Kylesku Bridge, looking eastwards. | BGS, LE, SNH, THC | Medium | 2013-2015 | |
| 19. SUILVEN (NWHG REF. 058). Research suitable locations for roadside interpretation panels at the western end (Lochinver?) and the eastern end (Elphin?) of the mountain, highlighting the processes of evolution of the Assynt mountainscape and explaining the concept of inselbergs. | BGS, LE, SNH, THC | High | 2013 | |
| 20. QUINAG (SPIDEAN COINICH, SAIL GHARBH, SAIL CORM) (NWHG REF. 059). Research suitable locations and provide roadside interpretation panels on the western (Lochinver) and eastern (Skiag) sides | BGS, SNH, THC | High | 2013 | |
| 21. LEDMORE ESKER (NWHG REF. 061). Provide an interpretation panel at the layby on the west side of the A 837, 500m north of Ledmore Junction | BGS, SNH, THC | High | 2013 | |
| 22. STAC FADA "METEORITE SITE" (NWHG REF. 063). Provide an interpretation panel at the Bay of Stoer, looking north-westwards along the coast, | BGS, SNH, THC, UKU | High | 2013 | |
| identifying the location of the Stac Fada outcrop (and how to find it) and explaining the main features of meteorites and their impacts upon the Earth, in addition to the detail of the Stac Fada site itself. | ||||
| 23. SMOO CAVE (NWHG REF. 064). Provide an interpretation panel close to, or just within, the main cave entrance. | BGS, GSS, SNH, THC | High | 2013 | |
| Theme 4 ? Education and lifelong learning about the geodiversity of the NWHG | ||||
| 8. To create/increase opportunities for schools and university/colleges to use the geodiversity of NWHG as a resource for the study of earth sciences. | 1. Develop and foster closer links with primary and secondary schools located both within and adjacent to the NWHG and establish a system of regular communications with head teachers. | THC | High | 2013 |
| 2. Produce geological educational resource material in consultation and partnership with teachers. | THC. | Medium | 2013-2016. | |
| 3. Develop and deliver teacher-training days in consultation with schools located within and adjacent to the NWHG. | THC | Medium | 2013-2016 | |
| 4. Establish a programme of regular visits to schools by the NWHG geoscientist and assist with teaching of Geodiversity as part of a broad-based curriculum within the physical sciences. | THC | Medium | 2013-2016. | |
| 5. Develop the "Rock Detective Agency" as a NWHG-led initiative with all the primary schools for pupils and teachers to become further engaged with the NWHG and develop the concept of (junior) Rock Detectives as (junior) representatives/ambassadors of NWHG. | ACC, BGS, CCC, DCC, HGS, KCC, LE, SDCC, SGF, SNH, THC | Medium | 2013-2016 | |
| 6. Engage with the Earth Sciences departments of universities and colleges within UK to further promote the NWHG as a teaching resource and facilitate closer links with, and greater awareness of, the NWHG. | BGS, UHI, UKU | High | 2013. | |
| 9. To support lifelong learning about the Geodiversity and Earth science heritage of the NWHG | 1. Develop and deliver an annual programme of geology-related events (e.g. guided walks, talks, etc.) within NWHG as part of lifelong learning activities for all ages, extending throughout the whole year. | ACC, BGS, CCC, DCC, HGS, JMT, KCC, SDCC, SNH, THC, UHI, VS | Medium | 2013-2016 |
| 2. Encourage the continuation and development of existing groups/organisations having an interest in Geodiversity, or the formation of new ones. | BGS, GCUK, HGS, JMT, SGF, SNH, THC, UHI. | Low | 2013-2016. | |
| 3. Engage with VS to ensure that staff are fully aware of the Geodiversity of NWHG and its relevance to Geotourism. Promote NWHG to VS as a World-class destination for lifelong learning about Earth Sciences and Earth Science Heritage. | VS | High | 2013-2016. | |
| 4. Develop a sustainable Geotourism Strategy for the NWHG. | ACC, BGS, CCC, DCC, HIE, JMT, KCC, LE, NTS, SDCC, SGF, SNH, SP, THC, TSG, UHI, UKU, VS. | High | 2013-2016. | |
| 5. Build on the recommendations of the Geo Centre feasibility study. | All partners | High | 2013-2016 |
Summary
This LGAP will provide a good basis for the effective and strategic management of the NWHG and its very special and World-class Geodiversity. It is underpinned by the Geopark’s first GA and will require to be reviewed regularly, say at least annually, and also when changes are made to the GA.