134-8 Using Intangible Heritage And Vernacular Design In The Formation Of New Geoconservation Practices: Lessons From Charnwood Forest Geopark

Session: Crossing Boundaries: Histories of Geoheritage

Presenting Author:

Author:

Abstract:

The geoconservation of palaeontological geosites remains a complex endeavour, with a site’s natural characteristics and risk profile often necessitating a unique management plan. In addition, the underrepresented status of geodiversity within landscape management can be a barrier when obtaining support, funding, and permissions for geoconservation interventions – further hampering progress in the protection of geoheritage.

The Ediacaran sedimentary succession of Charnwood Forest (UK) contains some of the oldest animal fossils in the world. The conservation and management of this internationally significant palaeontological heritage has been an ongoing challenge, with the need to balance protection, research, public access, and site aesthetics. The global black market trade in Precambrian fossils requires that the location of fossil geosites remain unpublicised, therefore preventing the use of signage to alert visitors to the importance of the site and the need not to damage the rocks. However, by being unaware of the significance of the site, well-meaning visitors climb upon the fossil surfaces, unwittingly degrading the fossils. An intervention was therefore necessary, but with careful planning that didn’t reveal the fossil site’s location, and that respected the landscape character and other heritage significance within the area.

This presentation will outline how Charnwood Forest Geopark and partner organisations have collaborated to design and implement a bespoke fossil protection solution that utilises the traditional construction style of drystone walling. By using an architectural style that is long established within the landscape, visitors of dissuaded from visiting the fossil site. The presentation will further outline the complexities of obtaining permissions for geoconservation interventions, and how the use of generic conservation language can be used to the benefit of geodiversity protection. Furthermore, examples will be provided of how high-quality fossil interpretation can be provided without the need for geosites to be visited. These examples from Charnwood Forest Geopark are a valuable case study in how to protect and interpret geoheritage where a geosite is not suitable for visitation by the general public.

Geological Society of America Abstracts with Program. Vol. 57, No. 6, 2025

doi: 10.1130/abs/2025AM-8990

© Copyright 2025 The Geological Society of America (GSA), all rights reserved.