Geosite condition monitoring in the UK 1999–2019

Abstract

Geosite condition monitoring makes an assessment or value judgement about the current condition of a geosite compared to a defined desired baseline state. Such work has been undertaken in the UK for over 20 years. The original framework for monitoring nationally and internationally important geosites, first implemented in 1999, has been trialled independently in each of the four UK conservation agencies (Natural England, Northern Ireland Environment Agency, NatureScot, Natural Resources Wales and their predecessor bodies). Different adaptations and insights to geosite condition monitoring have been made depending on devolved circumstances, but the ability to report results on a UK basis, using some shared common standards, has been retained. This paper assesses the geosite monitoring programme in the UK, identifies the commonalities and differences in approach across the four UK countries and compares the results produced. As a long-running and widely tested national geosite condition monitoring programme, the lessons learned from the UK may be applicable to any geosite monitoring programme globally.