About Us

A view of Trinity Buoy Wharf and the confluence of the River Lea with the Thames — A view of Trinity Buoy Wharf and the confluence of the River Lea (Bow Creek) with the Thames (Photo: Ruth Siddall)

The London Geodiversity Partnership was formed in 2008 with the aim of promoting, protecting and interpreting geodiversity in London. In 2009 the Partnership, working with the GLA, published ‘London’s Foundations’, a London Plan Implementation Report, which seeks to provide a framework for the conservation, enhancement and promotion of the capital’s geodiversity. In 2012 a revised edition was launched. It recommended that 14 new Regionally Important Geological Sites (RIGS) were set up across the capital, adding to the 14 designated in 2009 as well as 15 Locally Important Geological Sites (LIGS).

Since 2012 a further 3 RIGS have been identified with one previous RIGS changed to a LIGS and one deleted. 17 new LIGS have been identified. These ‘Candidate’ RIGS and LIGS are recommended by the Partnership., pending publication of a third edition of ‘London’s Foundations’. One further LIGS has been reinstated. In 2021 the sites being protected, cared for and interpreted by the London Geodiversity Partnership are 7 Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), 29 RIGS and 34 LIGS.

More recently the partnership has produced the London Geodiversity Action Plan (our first GAP was published in October 2010. The Plan provides a framework for understanding, conserving and using the geodiversity of the capital. A new GAP has been produced that informs the priorities from 2025-2029.

In 2015 a constitution was agreed by the Partnership. Members of the Partnership represent a range of organisations including British Geological Survey, Natural England, Geologists’ Association, Historic England, local geological groups as well as academic institutions and representatives of local authorities. A complete list of LGP Partners can be downloaded here.

The Partnership seeks to share good geodiversity practice, influence regional policy and establish cross-regional working for geodiversity as well as providing the following functions:-

• a regional network for organisations, groups and individuals involved in geodiversity;

• a regional voice and profile for geodiversity;

• influence regional planning, policy development and practice;

• conserve geological sites, where possible;

• interpret sites in practical ways;

• share good practice; and,

• work to find opportunities for cross-regional activities.