About the 100 Geosites Project
The UK and Ireland feature some of the most diverse and beautiful geology in the world, spanning most of geological time, from the oldest Pre-Cambrian rocks to the youngest Quaternary sediments. As part of Earth Science Week 2014, the Geological Society and partner organisations celebrated this unique geo-heritage by launching a list of 100 Great Geosites across the UK and Ireland.
So what is a 'geosite'?
A geosite could be a classic outcrop or a beautiful landscape like the Giant’s Causeway. The list could also include engineered sites of economic importance such as a Crossrail station, museums, structures featuring striking building stones or sites of significance to the history of geology or our industrial heritage. The only rules are that the site is in the UK or Ireland, and can be visited by the public.
Your Nominations
To come up with a list we asked you to send us your favourite geosites, supported by photographs, videos or enthusiastic words.
There was an overwhelming response, including classic geological sites plus some surprises!
The Public Vote
Over 1400 people voted for the ‘People’s Favourite’; thank you to everyone who helped us choose the final 100. More than 400 sites were nominated and we split the sites into 10 categories reflecting the huge range of geological sites that can be visited – from the countryside to the hearts of our towns and cities.
Use the links below to see all the nominations in each of the ten categories on our Flickr gallery:
Landscape | Industrial and Economic Importance | Historical and Scientific Importance | Educational | Adventurous
Human Habitation | Coastal | Outcrops | Folding and Faulting | Fire and Ice
The final 100
The final hundred were chosen with the help of our selection committee, with the winners of the public vote in special place as the 'People's Favourite'.
London Lecture:
'Geoheritage and the UK's most significant geological sites'
The final list was launched in October 2014 for Earth Science Week (13 – 19 October), and to celebrate Rob Butler, Chair of our Geoconservation Committee, gave a talk at the Society.