Insight User Guide: Environmental designations

Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)

Sites providing statutory protection for the best examples of UK flora, fauna, geological or physiographical features. Originally notified under the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949, SSSIs were re-notified under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. Improved provisions for the protection and management of SSSIs were introduced by the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 (in England and Wales) and (in Scotland) by the Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004 and the Wildlife and Natural Environment (Scotland) Act 2010.

Conserved Wetland Sites (Ramsar sites)

Ramsar sites are designated under the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance, agreed in Ramsar, Iran, in 1971. They cover all aspects of wetland conservation and wise use, recognising wetlands as ecosystems that are extremely important for biodiversity conservation in general and for the well-being of human communities. These sites cover a broad definition of wetland; marsh, fen, peatland or water, whether natural or artificial, permanent or temporary, with water that is static or flowing, fresh, brackish or salt, and even some marine areas.

Special Areas of Conservation (SAC)

Areas which have been identified as best representing the range and variety within the European Union of habitats and (non-bird) species listed on Annexes I and II to the Directive. SACs are designated under the EC Habitats Directive.

Special Protection Areas (SPA)

Sites classified by the UK Government under the EC Birds Directive, SPAs are areas of the most important habitat for rare (listed on Annex I to the Directive) and migratory birds within the European Union.

National Nature Reserves (NNR)

Sites containing examples of some of the most important natural and semi-natural terrestrial and coastal ecosystems in Great Britain. They are managed to conserve their habitats, provide special opportunities for scientific study or to provide public recreation compatible with natural heritage interests.

Local Nature Reserves (LNR)

Sites managed for nature conservation, and to provide opportunities for research and education, or simply enjoying and having contact with nature. They are declared by local authorities under the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949 after consultation with the relevant statutory nature conservation agency.

Designated Ancient Woodland

Ancient woodlands are classified as areas which have been wooded continuously since at least 1600 AD. This includes semi-natural woodland and plantations on ancient woodland sites. ‘Wooded continuously’ does not mean there is or has previously been continuous tree cover across the whole site, and not all trees within the woodland have to be old.

Biosphere Reserves

Biosphere reserves are areas of terrestrial and coastal ecosystems promoting solutions to reconcile the conservation of biodiversity with its sustainable use. They are internationally recognised by UNESCO as sites of excellence to balance conservation and socioeconomic development between nature and people. They are recognised under the Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme with the aim of promoting sustainable development founded on the work of the local community.

Forest Parks

These are areas managed by the Forestry Commission designated on the basis of recreational, conservation or scenic interest.

Marine Conservation Zones

A type of marine nature reserve in UK waters established under the Marine and Coastal Access Act (2009). They are designated with the aim to protect nationally important, rare or threatened habitats and species.

Green Belt

Areas designated to prevent urban sprawl by keeping land permanently open.

Proposed Ramsar Sites

Ramsar sites are areas listed as a Wetland of International Importance under the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance especially as Waterfowl Habitat (the Ramsar Convention) 1971. These sites have a status of “Proposed” having been identified for potential adoption under the framework.

Possible Special Areas of Conservation (pSAC)

Special Areas of Conservation are areas which have been identified as best representing the range and variety within the European Union of habitats and (non-bird) species listed on Annexes I and II to the Directive. SACs are designated under the EC Habitats Directive. These sites are those with a status of ‘Possible’ having been identified for potential adoption under the framework.

Potential Special Protection Areas (pSPA)

Special Protection Areas (SPAs) are areas designated (or ‘classified’) under the European Union Wild Birds Directive for the protection of nationally and internationally important populations of wild birds. Those sites supplied are those with a status of ‘Potential’ having been identified for potential adoption under the framework.

Nitrate Sensitive Areas

Areas where nitrate concentrations in drinking water sources exceeded or was at risk of exceeding the limit of 50 mg/l set by the 1980 EC Drinking Water Directive. Voluntary agricultural measures as a means of reducing the levels of nitrate were introduced by DEFRA as MAFF, with payments being made to farmers who complied. The scheme was started as a pilot in 1990 in ten areas, later implemented within 32 areas. The scheme was closed to further new entrants in 1998, although existing agreements continued for their full term. All Nitrate Sensitive Areas fell within the areas designated as Nitrate Vulnerable Zones (NVZs) in 1996 under the EC Nitrate Directive (91/676/EEC).

Nitrate Vulnerable Zones

Areas at risk from agricultural nitrate pollution designated under the EC Nitrate Directive (91/676/EEC). These are areas of land that drain into waters polluted by nitrates. Farmers operating within these areas have to follow mandatory rules to tackle nitrate loss from agriculture.

SSSI Impact Risk Zones

Developed to allow rapid initial assessment of the potential risks to Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) posed by development proposals. They define zones around each SSSI which reflect the particular sensitivities of the features for which it is notified and indicate the types of development proposal which could potentially have adverse impacts. This data is only available in England.

SSSI Units

Divisions of SSSI are used to record management and condition details. Units are the smallest areas for which Natural England gives a condition assessment, however, the size of unit varies greatly depending on the types of management and the conservation interest.