What is Geodiversity ?

Geodiversity represents the whole of our geological and geomorphological heritage:

Who is organising these projects ?

The West Yorkshire Geology Trust   (W.Y.G.T.) previously known as (R.I.G.S. - see Sept newsletter ) is a small but active group of volunteers, largely based in the Kirklees area, who are working to promote geodiversity across West Yorkshire.

The West Yorkshire Geology Trust has entered into partnership with a much more experienced group; the North East Yorkshire Geology Trust   (N.E.Y.G.T), and applied for a grant from the Aggregates Levy Sustainability Fund, which is run by Natural England.     This funding will enable the them to hold consultation meetings with planning authorities, amateur and professional geologists, tourist bodies like museums, the quarrying industry and many other groups, to discuss how to promote geodiversity across West Yorkshire.

What area does this cover ?

What is happening and when ?

A series of meetings with the local authorities, are planned, the first of which took place at Cliffe Castle Museum, Keighley, on 10th Sept 2007.

The trust has until March 2008 to hold meetings, attract more members, select some geological sites which need management and write an action plan, all with the help of N.E.Y.G.T.

The trust is keen to attract new members and involve anyone with an interest in local geology, geoconservation and geodiversity.

The trust is also keen to work with teachers in local schools. They have started to think about the educational work they could do with schools and would like to hear from any teachers who would like some input on rocks and fossils to help them with their teaching.

In addition to plan meetings and surveying possible sites a number of guided walks and fun events are being arranged to raise people's awareness of local geology and the work of the trust.

The trust aims to produce teaching packs, hold public events, host guided walks, compile urban building stones trails and other geology trails.

For information about future meetings and events see the West Yorkshire Geology Trust web site.

What is this action plan for ?

The Local Geodiversity Action Plan (L.G.A.P.) will be a framework for the conservation, management and promotion of West Yorkshire’s geodiversity over the coming years.     With clear objectives and targets it will identify what needs to be done to look after our geodiversity as a resource for all to benefit from and enjoy.     It will identify who is involved, what needs to be done to benefit our geodiversity, and how all this can be sustained over the coming years.

How can I get involved or find out more ?

Anyone is welcome to join.     The West Yorkshire Geology Trust are keen to attract more members and spread interest in this exciting project.     Membership to the West Yorkshire Geology Trust is free.     For more information, to let us know which areas of geoconservation or geodiversity you are interested in, or to offer any help, please contact Alison.

For more information visit West Yorkshire Geology Trust   web site.