Sites

International Designations

• Special Area of Conservation (SAC): Strictly protected sites designated under the EC Habitats Directive;
• Special Protection Area (SPA): Strictly protected sites designated under the EC Birds Directive;
• Ramsar Site: Wetlands of international importance designated under the Ramsar Convention.

National Designations

• Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI): Sites legally protected for providing the best examples of the UK’s flora, fauna, or geological or physiographical features;
• Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB): Designated to conserve natural beauty, including wildlife, physiographic features, cultural heritage, landscape and scenery;
• National Park: Designated to conserve and enhance landscapes within the countryside whilst promoting public enjoyment and having regard for the social and economic well-being of those living within them;
• National Nature Reserve (NNR): Designated to conserve some of the most important natural and semi-natural terrestrial and coastal ecosystems, they are managed to provide special opportunities for scientific study of the habitats, communities and species within them as long as this does not compromise the wildlife habitat.

Local Designations

• Local Nature Reserve (LNR): Designated for nature conservation management, to provide opportunities for research and education, or simply access to nature;
• Local Wildlife Site (LoWS): Designated for significant wildlife value. Although not legally protected, they are a material consideration when planning applications are being determined;
• Regionally Important Geological and Geomorphological Site (RIGS): Designated as the most important places for geology and geomorphology outside of SSSIs. They are equivalent to LoWS.
• Special Roadside Verges

For more biodiversity information see:

• Biodiversity Action Plan
• Habitats
• Species