SSSI and RIGS
What are they?
What's on in West Sussex
A number of sites in West Sussex have been listed as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) or Regionally Important Geological and Geomorphological Sites (RIGS).
Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)
Many geological sites in West Sussex are protected under UK legislation by being designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) by Natural England (formerly English Nature). These are sites that are considered to be of special interest because of their geological or physiographical features. You can find out about the details of the designated sites in West Sussex at Natural England and searching by locality.
Regionally Important Geological & Geomorphological Sites (RIGS)
Many more geological sites are on the Regionally Important Geological and Geomorphological Sites (RIGS) list. These are designated by locally developed criteria and are currently the most important places for geology and geomorphology outside statutorily protected land such as Sites of Special Scientific Interest. It is one way of recognising and protecting important Earth science and landscape features for future generations to enjoy. For general information on RIGS, have a look at the UK RIGS site.
In West Sussex, sites were identified by a panel (which included myself) working under John Cooper of the Booth Museum of Natural History in Brighton from 1993 to 2006. Whilst there is no legal protection arising from a RIGS designation, it does draw attention to the importance of the site and the value in protecting its future. Developers, local authorities and other interested parties can obtain a copy of the RIGS schedule for a site from the Booth Museum of Natural History in Brighton. A small fee may be payable.
Return to Geological sites.