Neil Ellis | University of Cambridge (original) (raw)
Freelancer editor and proofreader, publisher of 30 books and various papers about Earth Sciences and conservation.
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Papers by Neil Ellis
Proceedings of the Geologists' Association, 2011
This paper describes the origin of the Geological Conservation Review (GCR) project, a review tha... more This paper describes the origin of the Geological Conservation Review (GCR) project, a review that set out to assess the conservation value of scientifically important geological and geomorphological sites in Britain. The ultimate objective was to provide the scientific evidence-base for those sites deemed to be
Geological Society, London, Special Publications, 2008
A particularly ambitious programme for overhauling site assessment and documentation for geoconse... more A particularly ambitious programme for overhauling site assessment and documentation for geoconservation in Great Britain was initiated in the mid-1970s by the Nature Conservancy Council (NCC) resulting in the formal launch of the ‘Geological Conservation Review’ (GCR) in 1977. The GCR was a world-first project of its type in the assessment of the whole geological heritage or ‘geodiversity’ of a country from first principles. Criteria and assessment methods were developed, with a view to selecting the very best sites to represent the diversity of British geology and geomorphology. A list of selection categories—GCR ‘Blocks’—encompassing British geology and geomorphology was devised. Widespread consultation with geologists and geomorphologists across Great Britain was co-ordinated; and the criteria refined and interpreted to suit the selection category at hand. Field investigation of proposed sites was a key component of site selection, although the selection process relied heavily o...
Proceedings of the Geologists' Association, 2013
ABSTRACT Although the conservation of geological and geomorphological features is a well-establis... more ABSTRACT Although the conservation of geological and geomorphological features is a well-established practice in the UK, the conservation of such features in the marine environment has been largely ignored until recently. The provisions made for conserving biodiversity in The Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 and Marine (Scotland) Act 2010 provide for the conservation of geological and geomorphological features, whilst similar provisions are currently going through the Northern Ireland Assembly in the Northern Ireland Marine Bill. The importance of such features within the marine environment, their interactions with biological features and processes and their value in complimenting terrestrial features, particularly in relation to our understanding of events during the Quaternary, are explored. Opportunities for the conservation of these features under the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 are reviewed in particular, as are a range of methodologies for their identification. The use of stakeholder groups in the selection and inclusion of these features in English inshore and offshore, and Welsh offshore areas are discussed. Some of the challenges that emerged during this process are highlighted, in particular that of communicating an understanding of the significance, value and vulnerability of geological and geomorphological features. The development of coastal access in England and Wales provides opportunities for improving public understanding of geology and geomorphology in the marine environment through its promotion and interpretation on the coast. This and other initiatives that raise awareness of these features may provide future support for their inclusion in any future revision of Marine Conservation Zones.
Proceedings of the Geologists' Association, 2011
This paper describes the origin of the Geological Conservation Review (GCR) project, a review tha... more This paper describes the origin of the Geological Conservation Review (GCR) project, a review that set out to assess the conservation value of scientifically important geological and geomorphological sites in Britain. The ultimate objective was to provide the scientific evidence-base for those sites deemed to be
Geological Society, London, Special Publications, 2008
A particularly ambitious programme for overhauling site assessment and documentation for geoconse... more A particularly ambitious programme for overhauling site assessment and documentation for geoconservation in Great Britain was initiated in the mid-1970s by the Nature Conservancy Council (NCC) resulting in the formal launch of the ‘Geological Conservation Review’ (GCR) in 1977. The GCR was a world-first project of its type in the assessment of the whole geological heritage or ‘geodiversity’ of a country from first principles. Criteria and assessment methods were developed, with a view to selecting the very best sites to represent the diversity of British geology and geomorphology. A list of selection categories—GCR ‘Blocks’—encompassing British geology and geomorphology was devised. Widespread consultation with geologists and geomorphologists across Great Britain was co-ordinated; and the criteria refined and interpreted to suit the selection category at hand. Field investigation of proposed sites was a key component of site selection, although the selection process relied heavily o...
Proceedings of the Geologists' Association, 2013
ABSTRACT Although the conservation of geological and geomorphological features is a well-establis... more ABSTRACT Although the conservation of geological and geomorphological features is a well-established practice in the UK, the conservation of such features in the marine environment has been largely ignored until recently. The provisions made for conserving biodiversity in The Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 and Marine (Scotland) Act 2010 provide for the conservation of geological and geomorphological features, whilst similar provisions are currently going through the Northern Ireland Assembly in the Northern Ireland Marine Bill. The importance of such features within the marine environment, their interactions with biological features and processes and their value in complimenting terrestrial features, particularly in relation to our understanding of events during the Quaternary, are explored. Opportunities for the conservation of these features under the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 are reviewed in particular, as are a range of methodologies for their identification. The use of stakeholder groups in the selection and inclusion of these features in English inshore and offshore, and Welsh offshore areas are discussed. Some of the challenges that emerged during this process are highlighted, in particular that of communicating an understanding of the significance, value and vulnerability of geological and geomorphological features. The development of coastal access in England and Wales provides opportunities for improving public understanding of geology and geomorphology in the marine environment through its promotion and interpretation on the coast. This and other initiatives that raise awareness of these features may provide future support for their inclusion in any future revision of Marine Conservation Zones.