Geoconservation and the advancement of geosciences: lessons from the Chalk of England

Seven examples from the Chalk of England illustrate the importance of geoconservation to advances in understanding Upper Cretaceous Chalk geology and wider studies relevant to society including construction projects, groundwater investigations and environmental change. Two field sections are now lost to landfill (Asham, Lewes and Downend, Portsdown) and five are extant (Southerham Grey Pit, Lewes, South Lodge Pit Taplow, Berkshire, Peacehaven Cliffs and Eastbourne Cliffs, Sussex). Each of these field sections shows the range of geology that needs to be considered in any conservation strategy. Continued access to such coastal and inland field sections is vital so that new ideas and techniques can be tested and re-measuring and re-sampling can take place.The need for field sections has, and continues to be, challenged and there is a view that borehole cores can provide sufficient reference material to replace field sections. The inadequacies of a borehole alternative to field sections are illustrated with examples from Southerham Grey Pit, Lewes and Downend Quarry, Portsdown, Hampshire. These two sites also illustrate that a trench cut to replace a quarry face will not guarantee exposure of an equivalent geology. There are wider implications for society as field sections are essential for interpreting the geology beneath London and Stonehenge for tunnels and aquifer studies. Local field sections are also part of new initiatives, through the Lewes Railway Land Wildlife Trust, to widen understanding of and integrate geosciences with other natural sciences through environmental education to better inform decisions on environmental issues.