Geodiversity

Scotland’s landscapes face many challenges, such as changes in land use, intensive agricultural production, climate change and unsustainable development. Our Geodiversity Policy and Guidance sets out how we will continue to care, share and speak up for Scotland’s magnificent geodiversity and geoheritage.

Geodiversity policy (an edited excerpt)

Our Geodiversity Policy and Guidance sets out how we will continue to care, share and speak up for Scotland’s magnificent geodiversity and geoheritage.

Geodiversity refers to the range of geological elements found in Scotland (such as rocks, fossils, landscapes, soil and hydrological features) and the natural forces that that have shaped our landscapes (which are known as geomorphological processes).

Scotland’s geodiversity is an integral part of our natural, cultural and built heritage. Scotland’s seas, landscapes and natural physical attributes are the result of millennia of geomorphological processes. These contribute to our sense of identity and physical and mental wellbeing, as well as being a huge tourism draw and supporting rural economies.

As well as being influenced by geodiversity, Scotland has many geological sites and objects of cultural and natural heritage value (e.g. landscapes and fossils). These sites and objects comprise Scotland’s geoheritage.

Geodiversity on Trust properties

National Trust for Scotland places of significant geological interest include: Staffa and Corrieshalloch Gorge, both National Nature Reserves which were established mainly for their geological features; Glencoe National Nature Reserve, the remains of an ancient super volcano; Threave Garden & Estate, which has an abundance of species that can grow due to the geology of the site; St Kilda, a World Heritage Site, the geology of which supports one of the most important bird colonies in Europe; and Ben Lawers National Nature Reserve, where the combination of nutrient-rich soils and harsh montane climate have created unique assemblage of species and plant communities.

Trust properties, such as Hugh Miller’s Birthplace, Cottage & Museum, and Torridon are also associated with some of the great pioneers of geological science.

Geoconservation

Our geological features are under threat from development activities, climate change and land-use change which may damage or obscure them. While some features are large and visible in a number of different places, others are small and known in only one location.

To protect our unique geodiversity and geoheritage, the Trust will practice geoconservation techniques at its properties. We will continue to engage people through our interpretation programme so everyone in Scotland can experience and value our geodiversity and geoheritage.

The Trust will also campaign for increased conservation and protection of Scotland’s geodiversity, including through advocating for strong landscape protection and recognition by raising awareness in public policy of the value of geodiversity in relation to climate change mitigation, biodiversity, landscape, tourism, economy, cultural identity and health and wellbeing.