Mineral Conservation in Wales

The Countryside Council for Wales (CCW) is the statutory adviser to the government on sustaining natural beauty, wildlife and the opportunity for outdoor enjoyment throughout Wales. They perform an important service to the community and mineralogists in particular by protecting important mineralogical sites as SSSI under Section 28 (1) of the Wildlife Countryside Act 1981 as substituted by Schedule 9 to the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000.

In addition to the SSSI legislation, many important mineralogical sites in Wales are being registered with owners and local Planning Authorities as Regionally Important Geological Sites (RIGS). Although these sites are not protected in statue, it is hoped that registration as RIGS will confer status and protection for activities that could otherwise result in the loss of an important mineralogical resource.

The principles of mineralogical conservation are detailed in a joint Amgueddfa Cymru - National Museum Wales and CCW booklet entitled Mineral Treasures of Wales, available free on request from either organisation.