Local geoconservation groups – past achievements and future challenges

Whilst the geoconservation movement started in the United Kingdom about 60 years ago, it is largely through the increasing involvement of voluntary local groups from the 1990s onwards that so much has been achieved in non-statutory site conservation and management. Since then more than 50 groups have emerged and been responsible for designating some 4000 local geological sites.Although site-specific work was the foundation for local groups, many have moved far beyond this. Some have produced geodiversity action plans and organised partnerships to deliver them. Others have accessed external funding to leverage their voluntary effort and made substantial contributions to broader geoconservation initiatives. Communicating the value and relevance of geodiversity through a wide range of educational and interpretive materials, workshops and fieldwork remains the cornerstone for most groups.Much has been achieved but it is now clear that less financial support will be available in the future. This presents new challenges for local groups, requiring different ways of working and a heavier reliance on voluntary contributions. Regardless of how local groups adapt to this backdrop there remain some grounds for optimism. This is because the history of voluntary geoconservation has been characterised by inconsistent levels of funding and yet has still maintained an enviable record of delivery. By continuing to operate within its means this trend should continue, albeit reduced in scale.