Responsibility for assessing and monitoring the condition of a SSSI lies with the appropriate statutory conservation agency (Natural England, Scottish Natural Heritage, Countryside Council for Wales or Environment and Heritage Service (DoENI)).
Under the Wildlife and Countryside Act the owner or occupier may enter into a management agreement for the purposes of securing the SSSI special interest. Public bodies are not allowed to carry out damaging operations on an SSSI, except where they notify the relevant conservation agency.
SSSIs are designated in accordance with the duties in law placed upon each of the country nature conservation bodies (CNCBs) to notify as a SSSI any area of land which, in its opinion, is of special interest by reason of any of its flora, fauna, geological, geomorphological or physiographical features.
SSSIs are areas of conservation, consisting of protected areas, recognised for their biological or geological significance. In Northern Ireland an SSSI is called an area of special scientific interest (ASSI). The English counties were revised under the 1974 reorganisation of local government.
The main New Forest SSSI is also a SPA because of a number of rare and vulnerable birds that are supported by its habitats. These include honey buzzard, nightjar, woodlark and Dartford warbler. In addition, the Avon Valley SSSI, on the western edge of the Park is an SPA along with the SSSIs along the coastline.
a site of special scientific interest, so designated for reasons of conservation.
Summary: An Act prohibiting and limiting actions involving wild animals, and the primary piece of legislation for wildlife protection in the UK. Prohibitions include taking, injuring, killing and disturbing. It is also an offence to disturb places used for shelter and protection.
The SSSI are sites that are preserved due to its rich flora, fauna, geology and geomorphology. Before the construction process, necessary surveys must be taken to prove that the SSSI wont be affected by the construction process or after it. Proper planning and approval is needed.
To qualify for LNR status, a site must be of importance for wildlife, geology, education or public enjoyment. Some are also nationally important Sites of Special Scientific Interest. LNRs must be controlled by the local authority through ownership, lease or agreement with the owner.
What Natural England does. We're the government's adviser for the natural environment in England. We help to protect and restore our natural world. Natural England is an executive non-departmental public body, sponsored by the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs.
Report any other incidents to the Natural England enquiries team by calling 0300 060 3900 or email .
Our best examples of habitats and species of birds that are either threatened or valuable within the European Union are designated as Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) and Special Protection Areas (SPA). In England, these European sites are often also designated as SSSIs or a number of SSSIs joined together.
SSSIs have made a significant contribution to reducing declines and local extinctions in several species groups and have helped to improve the ecological condition of sites, to the benefit of habitats and species. They are therefore playing a major role in the delivery of the UK Biodiversity Action Plan.
Nature sites and areas of countryside can be 'designated', which means they have special status as protected areas because of their natural and cultural importance. Protection means that these places: have clear boundaries.
NNRs are managed on behalf of the nation, many by Natural England itself, but also by non-governmental organisations, including the members of The Wildlife Trusts partnership, the National Trust, and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds.
It is intended to protect particular features of your land which are unusual, or unique, and/or particular living organisms which are threatened species. On the Natural England website you can discover which features of your own woodland are important.
SSSIs are the country's best sites for wildlife and geology - there are more than 4,100 SSSIs in England, covering around 8 per cent of England.
