What is a Geopark?
Every European Geopark encompasses one or more sites of scientific importance that are valuable not only because of their significant geological features but also because they demonstrate outstanding archaeological, ecological or cultural value.
NW Highlands Geopark is special for a number of reasons:
- Unimaginable age - Lewisian Gneiss in the area is 3,000 million years old, which means that the rocks you see along the coastline are among the oldest rocks in Britain.
- Incredible complexity – the impacts of the Moine Thrust have created a very complicated geological legacy which puzzled and fascinated geologists for decades!
- World class scenery - this complex geology has created stunning landscapes where each rock type produces its own unique and evocative habitats.
- Important scientific discoveries – since the 19th century the area designated by the Geopark has been a key site for geological research.
Every Geopark has a management plan designed to foster sustainable socio-economic development and must show that it is working to conserve and enhance the local geological heritage at the same time as providing learning opportunities based around geoscientific disciplines and broader environmental issues.
One of the functions of a UNESCO or European Geopark is to demonstrate and share best practice strategies with other Geopark areas on the issue of Earth heritage conservation and how it relates to sustainable development opportunities for local communities.
