Sites of Special Interest

Regionally Important Geological and Geomorphological Sites (RIGS) are designated by locally developed criteria and are currently the most important places for geology and geomorphology outside statutorily protected land such as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).

The designation of RIGS is one way of recognising and protecting important Earth science and landscape features for future generations to enjoy.

For more information on Regionally Important Geological and Geomorphical Sites please visit the Association of UK RIGS Groups or the Lancashire Group of the Geologists' Association.

There are 25 Regionally Important Geological and Geomorphological Sites in the Ribble Valley. They are:

• Brennand and Whitendale Valleys, Bowland
• Crag Wood and Bracken Hill Quarries, Trough of Bowland
• Cutters and Dale House Quarries, near Chipping
• Dinckley Gorge, Salesbury/Dutton
• Fooden Sulphur Spring, near Bolton by Bowland
• Gisburn Cotes, near Gisburn
• Grindleton Dyke, Grindleton
• Hodder River Section, near Great Mitton 
• Lane Head / Hookdiffe Brook,Downham
• Nick of Pendle, Pendle Hill
• Phynis Beck. Slaidbum
• Sandy Bridge Quarry, Hurst Green
• Sugar Loaf and Boarsden Quarries, Bowland
• Turn Hill, Whalley
• Wiswell Moor Quarry, near Whalley
• Withgill Quarry, near Clitheroe
• Blacksticks Farm
• Stake Farm
• Dinckling Green
• Bowland Knotts
• Skirden Beck
• Arbour Quarry
• Hall Hill Quarry
• Bashall Brook
• Cross Hill Quarry