Earth Science Conservation Review progress
Of the 52 subject blocks defined, work has been completed on them all. To date, 76 sites with a geological interest have been designated as ASSIs (190 ASSIs have been declared in total).
It is anticipated that all sites identified by the ESCR will also be designated - a total of some 200 additional sites.
Examples of the types of site that have been selected as ESCR:
The majority of selected sites consist of rock outcrops. These give people an opportunity to see the various rock types that are, for the most part, hidden from view. Taken together, these sites describe the solid rock foundation of Northern Ireland. This type of site is generally easily managed. Quarries are very important offering as they do, a glimpse at rocks that would otherwise be buried. |
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Many coastal sites are very fragile, subject to impact from nature, through increasing storm frequency and possible future rises in sea-level, and human interference, particularly from removal of sand and stone from beaches, from recreational impacts and from engineering developments |
| Fossils are a fun way to get to know more about geology. Sites however can be fragile and must be managed carefully. Fortunately there are many sites rich in fossils, where repeated collecting poses no threat | . |
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Once there were large deposits of diatomite along the north shore of Lough Neagh and around Lough Beg. Past cutting for use in the munitions industry especially, has greatly reduced its extent. Diatomite and associated materials, are of importance for the information on past climate together with archaeological artifacts, that can be obtained from them. |
Many of the landforms that can be seen in Northern Ireland, were formed by processes that operated in the past. This is particularly true of those related to past glacial activity. Features such as eskers and glacial moraines are fossil landforms. They also are a valuable source of sand and gravel, used by the construction industry. It is important to strike a balance between the conservation of such sites whilst recognising the importance of this industry. |
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Northern Ireland has many important cave systems, hosting dramatic stalagmites, stalagtites and other examples of flowstone. Such places are not only wonderful to look at, they also represent a unique record of past climate and environment for these areas. These records are contained within the calcite (from which the flowstones are comprised) and sediment deposits. |
