National Organisations
British Geological Survey. The BGS is a public sector organisation that is responsible for advising the UK government on all aspects of geoscience as well as providing impartial geological advice to industry, academia and the public. The BGS also has the GeoScenic photo archive which is a vast collection of geological photographs which you can view and download freely for all non-commercial use. You can search for specific sites using place names or by using a map.
The British Micromount Society is a national organisation, founded in 1981. The aims of the Society are to promote contact between micromounters in the UK and encourage the development of micromounting as a branch of mineralogy through the publication of a regular newsletter, occasional field meetings and symposia. The Society publishes the British Directory of Micromounters – now in its 10th Edition, and maintains a National Reference Collection of Micromounts, available for postal loan to members. The Society has also developed a range of Occasional Papers on topics of interest to amateur mineralogists. There are local groups in Norfolk, Sussex, West Midlands, Cornwall, The North West Group in Bolton, and the South East Group in London. These meet at regular intervals and all members are welcome to attend any of the branches.
The Geologists’ Association is for all geologists and earth scientists, both professional and amateur. The Black Country Geological Society and many other local amateur geological societies are affiliated to the GA.
The Geological Society. The oldest geological society in the world. The Geological Society of London is the recognised UK professional body for geoscientists and awards qualification of Chartered Geologist. There is a West Midlands Regional Branch of the GS.
The Geology Trusts is a multi-regional umbrella organisation established to support county-based geoconservation groups across England.
GeoConservationUK exists to promote local “Geo” sites for education and public benefit and works towards a British Isles perspective, focusing on the common purposes and issues of local interest to Groups. GeoConservationUK has a membership of over 50 Local Geoconservation Groups, lately known as RIGS Groups (Regionally Important Geological and geomorphological Sites) across the British Isles. In England they are often called Local Geological Sites.
The Russell Society is a national group of both amateur and professional mineralogists that encourages the study, recording and conservation of mineralogical sites, material and minerals.
The UK Onshore Geophysical Library is a charitable body providing a substantial open-access resource of commercial data on the deep geology beneath our feet – promoting education, research and development. They also fund the Strata-Smith site, celebrating the life and works of William Smith, again with access to a wide range of interactive resources and maps.