RIGS Explained

RIGS were created to be a local designation to identify and protect the most important geological (and geomorphological) sites. They exist alongside English Nature’s Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs). The designation of RIGS is one way of recognizing and protecting important Earth science and landscape features for future generations to enjoy.

The concept of RIGS was first initiated by the Nature Conservancy Councils (NCC) publication Earth Science Conservation in Great Britain – A Strategy (1990). They started life as SSSIs which were denotified after the Geological Conservation Review (1997-1990). The statutory agencies wished to secure their conservation in another form. RIGS sites are those which, whilst not benefiting from national statutory protection, are nevertheless regionally or locally representative sites where '.... consideration of their importance becomes integral to the planning process' according to the Earth Science Conservation Strategy (ESCS).

Local RIGS Groups are linked by the UKRIGS Group.

RIGS are protected through national legislation and advice and through local policies. For example, nationally, the UK Government position is set out in

and at the local level RIGS are protected in the

RIGS are also protected in Local Plans, such as the Borough of Charnwood Local Plan 1991 – 2006 and are likely to be included in future Local development Frameworks which are superseding them.

To be a RIGS site they have to be selected by a RIGS Group formed from local geological experts, with advice from the British Geological Survey and English Nature.

In Leicestershire and Rutland the local RIGS Group is a sub-committee of the Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust and this group and they decide based on the best available evidence.

The method is set out in the accompanying document, based on a method of recording and assessing a range of information as suggested by the UKRIGS Group can be found here.

All Leicestershire and Rutland geological sites are being evaluated.