The role of the British Geological Survey in the history of geoconservation

Over its 172 year history, the British Geological Survey (formerly the Geological Survey of Great Britain) has, through underpinning core activities, its archive and databases and its experienced field staff, provided the geological basis for geoconservation. Evolving activities of the Survey from primary survey and collecting to revision mapping to 3D/4D-modelling reflect changing national needs. In turn, BGS has developed its capability to provide new geological interpretations and a range of publications raising the profile of Earth sciences, both for professionals and for the popular market. Today, BGS’s input through networks to geodiversity projects and to newly designated regions such as Geoparks marks a major transition towards a proactive geoconservation agenda in the twenty-first century.