Geology
Cornwall has a varied and rich geological heritage. The unique
geological history, world famous mining industry and current quarrying
for china clay, slate and granite, have shaped the peninsula. The
rocks and minerals present in such important areas as the Lizard
attract thousands of students from the UK and abroad. The tourist
industry, on which the regions economy so heavily depends, is closely
linked to the rugged landscape, coastal and moorland scenery and
mining history.
The Crowns Botallack
photograph taken by Simon Camm
The flora and fauna of the area is also inextricably linked
to the geology. The Lizard has developed a unique floral community
largely due to the underlying ultrabasic serpentine rock.
The upper Carboniferous Culm Measures in North Cornwall have
led to the diverse growth of Culm. Harebells, Campanula
rotundifolia, grow on top of pillow lavas, rock formations
that are rich in calcium carbonate and result from submarine
eruptions, at Pentire Head. The hummock and hollow topography,
left by man removing alluvial tin, have created such ecologically
diverse sites as Breney Common, Red Moor and Goss Moor.
The Cheesewring
photograph taken by John
Macadam
The Cornwall RIGS (Regionally Important Geological and geomorphological
Sites) Group brings together local earth science experts from
industry,
education, local government, tourism, museums and conservation
organisations. The Group works to designate County Geology sites
throughout the region. This is
a conservation policy recognised in both county and district plans.
RIGS is a designation that can be use to protect a site that is
not protected by the SSSI designation and worth conserving for
educational, research, aesthetic or historical reasons.
The RIGS designation is the geological equivalent of a County Wildlife
Site (CWS) designation and can protect sites against threats such
as fly tipping, infilling of valuable quarries, coastal defence
schemes and the tidying up or landscaping of old mines. Led by the
Cornwall RIGS group, the Cornwall Wildlife Trust has established
its first geological nature reserve. St Erth Pits in Penwith is
famous for its moulding sand and fossiliferous clays.
The Cornwall RIGS Group also runs a variety of walks and
other events for interested people. Up to date information
on events and geological issues in the region can be found
by contacting the RIGS Secretary, Sue Hocking, based at
ERCCIS, on 01872 240777 ect 246 or by viewing the RIGS
home page.
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