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Regionally Important Geodiversity Sites (RIGS)

Publisher
Natural Resources Wales
Updated
16 September 2026
Topic
Not set
Licence
Not set

Summary

Regionally Important Geodiversity Sites (RIGS) are non-statutory sites selected to protect the most important places for geology, geomorphology and soils, complementing the network of legally protected Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs).

RIGS are selected for their scientific, educational, historical and aesthetic features. As stated in Planning Policy Wales, Planning Authorities should protect the features and qualities for which RIGS have been designated. The impact of proposed developments will depend on the nature of the RIGS feature, so early consultation with the local RIGS group or NRW is strongly recommended.

Data links

Link Format Preview Updated
GeoConservation UK – 16/9/2026
Web Mapping Service – 16/9/2026
View and Download – 16/9/2026

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Additional information

Source Metadata
XML, HTML
Date added
03 September 2026
Harvest GUID
NRW_DS24294
Extent (Latitude)
53.427° to 51.384°
Extent (Longitude)
-5.311° to -2.647°
Dataset reference date (publication)
2026-08-28
Frequency of update
asNeeded
Access constraints
This dataset is owned by the Association of Welsh RIGS Groups (AWRG) and NRW. AWRG own the forms and reports - NRW may release this dataset on request, however, enquirers are advised to obtain a copy from the owner/originator directly, rather than NRW. Names and addresses of landowners are on some forms. These must not be released without the individual's permission. NRW may NOT publish or disseminate it in its entirety. NRW owns the ArcMap layerfile(s) - There are no access restrictions to this data. NRW may release, publish or disseminate it freely.
Responsible party
Natural Resources Wales (NRW) (owner, custodian, originator); Association of UK Rigs Groups (owner, custodian); Biodiversity Information Service (BIS) (distributor); Cofnod (North Wales Local Record Centre) (distributor); South East Wales Biodiversity Records Centre (SEWBReC) (distributor); West Wales Biodiversity Information Centre (WWBIC) (distributor)
ISO 19139 resource type
dataset
Metadata language
eng