geodiversity

I think this is not just topical from a local authority perspective in terms of our role as custodians of the wider environment, it represents something very positive from Defra. The article tells us:

The Geodiversity Charter is a first for England. It seeks to inspire decision makers and communities to celebrate and take action for our hidden natural heritage. This is the variety of rocks, fossils, minerals, soils, landforms and natural processes that constitute and shape the earth. These consequently directly influence our natural environment, our landscape and both where, and how, we live.

Launched at a Westminster MP briefing opened by Lord de Mauley on 21 October 2014, the charter sets out the clear ambition that geodiversity is recognised as an integral and vital part of our environment, economy and heritage that must be safeguarded and managed for current and future generations.

The Geodiversity Charter has been developed by the English Geodiversity Forum, a partnership of organisations and groups with a shared ambition of:

• encouraging ‘action’ for geodiversity, promoting and sharing good geoconservation practice
• raising awareness of geodiversity
• advocating policy inclusion of geodiversity at all levels

Support for EU membership ‘at highest level since 1991 with most Brits wanting to stay in’, Independent