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> Home > Out and About > Geoparks > North West Highlands:
What is a European Geopark? A European Geopark is a clearly defined area with a geological heritage of particular importance in terms of its scientific quality, rarity, aesthetic appeal and educational value. The key functions of a European Geopark are to protect geological heritage, promote geology to the public, and to use geology and other aspects of its natural and cultural heritage to promote sustainable economic development, normally through tourism. Other areas that have secured Geopark status have seen considerable benefit from it, through increased nature-based tourism. Established in June 2000, the Network now consists of 32 members in ten European countries. In February 2004 the European Geoparks Network was formally integrated into the UNESCO-endorsed Global Geoparks Network. For more details see: www.europeangeoparks.org
European Geopark Network Activities
A fieldtrip in the Copper Coast Geopark in Ireland during an EGN meeting in 2005.
Visitors view dinosaur footprints at Naturpark Terra Vita in Germany.
North West Highlands Geopark – Scotland’s First European Geopark Geopark status was awarded to the North West Highlands in October 2004 because this outstanding area contains some of the most important and diverse geological and geomorphological features and stunning landscapes in Britain. The park stretches from Achiltibuie and Knockan in the south to Cape Wrath and Loch Eriboll in the north. Geologically, the area is dominated by the internationally important Moine Thrust Zone, which runs from north to south. In the 19th century, the Moine Thrust Zone puzzled geologists who found that older rocks were seen to be lying on top of younger rocks, a situation they then could not easily explain. The recognition that packages of rocks were ‘thrust’ over long distances on top of younger rocks centred around Knockan Crag, now a National Nature Reserve (NNR), owned and managed by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH). Thrusts are now recognised in rocks around the world, including those in the Himalayas and the Alps – but are rarely as accessible as the Moine thrust at Knockan Crag. The rocks in the Geopark also record the last 3000 million years of history for the landmass that we now know as Scotland. The North West Highlands Geopark also recognises the diverse natural heritage of the area, local culture and the rich array of historic and archaeological sites.
Relaxing on the beach at Handa Island Bird Sanctuary. What Makes the Geopark Special? Glaciers, grinding West, gouged out these valleys, rasping the brown sandstone, and left, on the hard rock below – the ruffled foreland – this frieze of mountains, filed on the blue air – Stac Polly, Cul Beag, Cul Mor, Suilven, Canisp – a frieze and a litany.
From “A man in Assynt” by Norman MacCaig
This 2,000 km 2 area encompasses some of the finest mountain and coastal landscapes in Britain and contains a wealth of classic geological localities. It includes the iconic mountains of Suilven, Arkle and Stac Pollaidh, the pristine beaches of Sandwood and Balnakiel, and dramatic coastal cliffs such as those at Cape Wrath, mainland Scotland’s most north westerly point. The rich natural heritage of the North West Highlands is recognised in the high number of designated area and sites: the Assynt-Coigach and North West Sutherland National Scenic Areas, two National Nature Reserves, 54 Geological Conservation Review sites, 26 geological Sites of Special Scientific Interest, 17 Special Protection Area sites and 11 Special Areas of Conservation. Equally significant, the area contains many historic and archaeological sites, including scheduled monuments and listed buildings. From early evidence for human habitation in Scotland, through to Norse settlements, the Lordship of the Isles to the Clearances, crofting and recent land reform, the human story can be traced in the landscape for over 6,000 years.
Arkle from Oldshoremore
The Geopark contains some of the most important and diverse geological and geomorphological features in Britain. Geologically, the area is dominated by the internationally important Moine Thrust Zone, which runs from north to south. To the west lies the Lewisian Gneiss Complex, containing some of the oldest rocks in Europe; to the east are the enigmatic rocks of the Moine Supergroup.
The North West Highlands have a unique landscape, which strikingly reflects the underlying geology and geomorphology. Along the line of the Moine Thrust Zone are craggy peaks of Torridon sandstone and Cambrian quartzite, shaped by the action of glaciers during the Quaternary Period. Between the mountains are secluded glens, some of them floored by the largest areas of limestone in Scotland. Caves in the limestone have yielded fossil evidence of Pleistocene ‘ice-age’ fauna: reindeer, polar bears and wolves. To the west of the mountains lies a stretch of Lewisian gneiss with its typical rugged ‘cnoc-and-lochan’ landscape. Where the coast is formed by Lewisian gneiss there are numerous small coves and craggy headlands; unusual machair sands with their associated rich flora cover lower areas. In contrast, high cliffs and occasional sea stacks such as the Old Man of Stoer characterize a coast formed by Torridonian sandstone. East of the mountains is the wild, boggy country that has developed on the rocks of the Moine Supergroup.
The North West Highlands is also a key area in the historical development of geological science. Famous geologists of the 19th century, such as Roderick Murchison, Archibald Geikie, Benjamin Peach and John Horne, cut their geological teeth on the rocks of Sutherland. For much of that century, the so-called ‘Highlands Controversy’ raged over the relationships of these rocks, finally ending with the recognition of the complexities of the Moine Thrust Zone. Research into the rocks, structures and geomorphological features of the North West Highlands continues to this day, and hundreds of geology students from around the world visit the region every year.
How is the Geopark organised? The Geopark is managed by Sutherland Partnership. To help manage the Geopark and maintain strong local participation, a local Steering Group was established and a part time Geopark Officer is now based in Lochinver, Sutherland. The Steering Group comprises representatives of the five Community Councils – Durness, Kinlochbervie, Scourie, Assynt and Coigach – and the key public agencies, namely, The Highland Council, Scottish Natural Heritage, British Geological Survey, Visit Scotland and Caithness and Sutherland Enterprise.
This partnership working structure – unusual in comparison with other European Geoparks – has proven very successful and all the people involved work well as a team. For each event or activity – the strengths of each organisation are used to maximise the quality of the activity. Hopes are high, therefore, that the accolade of being Scotland’s first ‘Global Geopark’ will herald exciting new initiatives in Earth science interpretation, education and conservation throughout the North West Highlands. A thorough local consultation process has been carried out by having discussion meetings in seven village halls to enable local people to contribute their own ideas for strategic development. We have asked the simple question “what would you like to see done in your Geopark?”. Local people have presented their ideas with regards to publicity, interpretation, business development, geotourism, youth action and so on. In addition to these meetings, every household was sent a Geopark leaflet and a questionnaire, so that everyone is informed and can participate. The results of this consultation process and a new marketing plan will form the basis of the new strategy of the Geopark.
Winter walking on Quinag What is there to See and Do in the North West Highlands Geopark?
Visitors enjoying the Rock Route and views at Loch Glencoul.
This is a great place for walking, touring, bird watching, angling, water sports, wildlife watching, history, beach combing, music and of course – geology. The Geopark area offers a good range of accommodation from budget options like camping and hostels to a variety of self-catering, B&Bs and fine hotels. In spring and autumn there special Geopark events. During the summer the Countryside Rangers offer walks, talks and family activities. For more information check out the Geopark website(www.northwest-highlands-geopark.org.uk) or download a pdf of our brochure here.
Walkers on Stac Pollaidh |
