Warwickshire Local Geological Sites

Local Geological Sites (LGS - formerly RIGS) are important sites that underpin and complement Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). RIGS were established in 1990 by the Nature Conservancy Council (NCC) and continue to be actively supported by the UK statutory conservation agencies. The sites are selected by voluntary local groups according to the following nationally agreed criteria:

  • The value of a site for educational purposes
  • The value of a site for study by Earth scientists
  • The historical and aesthetic value of a site from an Earth science perspective

These sites do not have formal statutory protection in the same way as SSSIs. However, local groups notify local planning authorities of the sites that have been declared in their area and encourage the protection of the site through the planning process. WGCG is the local group responsible for the identification of LGSs in Warwickshire.

Warwickshire has one of the most varied selections of rocks in the country. It spans over 600 million years from the depths of the Precambrian period, with violent volcanic eruptions, through to the much more recent sands and gravels which formed during the Pleistocene ice age, whose latest phase was only 10,000 years ago......more

The Geology Trust    Warwickshire Geological Conservation Group    Aggregate Levy Sustainability Fund
 

There are over 80 sites designated as LGS in Warwickshire. Information about each site can be accessed by browsing the links below.

Alphabetical and numerical lists

Geological map showing the location of each site

Table indicating rock formations present at each site

Designation of a site as a LGS does not confer a legal right of access.  Unless the site is on a designated public right-of-way, the landowner's permission is required before visiting.



In addition to LGSs, there are 20 geological SSSIs in Warwickshire....more
Recently designated sites

96 Staircase Lane, Allesley
An outcrop of the Allesley Member of the Carboniferous Salop Formation (Warwickshire Group) is exposed on both sides of a road cutting.
97 Kenilworth Cutting, Coventry Road
Exposure of the Permian Kenilworth Sandstone Formation (Warwickshire Group) on the East side of a disused railway cutting.
98 The Dumble Tufa Springs
The site is a “finger” of woodland occupying a narrow gulley cut by a stream on the east side of Kingsbury Wood. It contains well developed tufa features in several locations.
 99 Bell Green Road, Coventry
The main feature is a 21 metres long exposure of the Triassic Bromsgrove Sandstone Formation (Sherwood Sandstone Group).
100 Astley Castle - Moat
 An exposure of the Whitacre Member of the Carboniferous Salop Formation (Warwickshire Group) beneath the curtain wall of the castle.
101 Astley Castle - Dark Lane
An exposure of the Whitacre Member of the Carboniferous Salop Formation (Warwickshire Group) on both sides of a sunken lane.

In the event of any development or planning consultation relating to any LGS or its surrounds, please contact:  Local Geological Sites Officer

                                                                                                                                                                                                            









































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