Geological SSSI Condition Assessment
Geological Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) are protected areas of land within the UK that exhibit some of the best examples of geological and geomorphological interests.
These interests can range from important stratigraphic beds and fossil type localities to active coastal processes and areas of mass movement. Individual SSSIs are divided into ‘units’, primarily for the purpose of management.
With over 4000 SSSIs in the UK exhibiting some of the most important and highest quality geological exposures, it is important to regularly assess their condition and report on any management needs. By doing this, it helps preserve the quality of the geological features of interest, and keeps SSSIs accessible for future scientific study.
Geckoella’s experienced SSSI monitoring team continue to work with Natural England (the government’s advisor for the natural environment in England) to assess sites across the South West, including Somerset, Avon, Cornwall, Dorset and Hampshire.
Between 2020 and 2022, Geckoella has reported on the condition of almost 80 GCR Interests (Geological Conservation Review Interests) in South West England, encompassing a wide range of feature types. Geckoella often use the most current techniques such as drones and aerial surveying. These reports feed directly into supporting Natural England’s management actions, and help conserve the geological sites for future use.
Top Image
Carrick Du to Clodgy Point SSSI (near St Ives). This site exposes excellent examples of deformed and partially metamorphosed pillow lavas and intercalated sediments. The image below shows a vertical exposure of pillow lavas, observed from the cliff top near St Ives. February 2021
Second Image
Vallis Vale is a classic geological site, and a site representing De La Beche’s ‘The Great Unconformity’. This site shows the dipping grey Carboniferous Limestone, overlain by the sub-horizontal Inferior Oolite (orange). These units are separated by an angular unconformity. January 2021
Third Image
Geckoella Geologist Jamie Foster in front of a rock crushing plant in a Cornish quarry (part of Coverack to Porthoustock SSSI). Here Geckoella are assessing the condition of dolerite dykes intruding the surrounding gab bro—part of the Lizard Ophiolite Complex. These features are associated with nearby mineralised zones containing zeolite minerals (image on right; the analcite and calcite). March 2021
