What is a site of specialized scientific interest?
Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) are those areas of land and water that we consider best represent our natural heritage in terms of their: flora – i.e. plants. fauna – i.e. animals. geology – i.e. rocks.
Where can I find SSSI sites?
SSSI are the finest sites for wildlife and natural features in England, supporting many characteristic, rare and endangered species, habitats and natural features. The data does Not include “proposed” sites. Boundaries are generally mapped against Ordnance Survey MasterMap. Full metadata can be viewed on data.gov.uk.
Who is responsible for SSSI sites?
The MOD has management responsibility for 174 SSSIs and ASSIs. As a Government Department, the MOD has a statutory obligation to maintain and enhance the condition of SSSIs/ASSIs, and to ensure that our activities do not damage the interest features for which the site was notified.
When did SSSI start?
Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) SSSIs were first notified under the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949.
Can you shoot on SSSI land?
If you shoot or intend to shoot on these sites, you will need to check with your landowner if they already have permission – often referred to as ‘consent’ – from the statutory conservation body. Only landowners and occupiers can apply for consent.
How does a site become an SSSI?
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.
How do I find out if a property is in a conservation area?
Do you live in a conservation area? Find out if you live in a conservation area by contacting your local planning authority (LPA)(opens in a new window). They will be able to tell you when it was created, how far it extends, the reason for its creation and the level of legal protection it has in place.
How many SSSIs are there?
There are over 4,000 Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) in England, covering about 7% of England’s land area. Over half of them, by area, are internationally important for their wildlife, and designated as Special Areas of Conservation (SACs), Special Protection Areas (SPAs) or Ramsar sites.
Can you build on an SSSI?
If you sell or let land subject to an SSSI you must notify Natural England or Natural Resources Wales within 28 days and provide details of the new owner or occupier. It goes without saying that an SSSI will make obtaining planning permission to develop or build on the land tricky to obtain.
How are SSSI designated?
Can I build a wall in a conservation area?
Walls and boundaries If your house is listed, or you are in a conservation area, you are likely to need consent to remove all or part of the front wall. Boundary structures are often as old as your house, and walls and railings have historic and architectural value.
What are protected sites?
According to IUCN and adopted for the INSPIRE context a protected site is: An area of land and/or sea especially dedicated to the protection and maintenance of biological diversity, and of natural and associated cultural resources, and managed through legal or other effective means.
What is a triple SI site?
A Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) is a formal conservation designation. Usually, it describes an area that’s of particular interest to science due to the rare species of fauna or flora it contains – or even important geological or physiological features that may lie in its boundaries.
Can you remove SSSI land?
Perhaps you believe the application is too wide, and that the designation will deprive you of your farming income or inflict hardship on you. In addition, if Natural England agree, an existing SSSI can be withdrawn via ‘de-notification’ – but this is rare.
What are designated sites?
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.
Can I plant trees in a conservation area?
Trees in a conservation area We choose conservation areas of special architectural or historical interest, which are often centred around listed buildings. All trees within a conservation area are protected, except where there are exemptions (see below), and consent is required from us for doing any works.
What is a designated site?
How close to an SSSI can you build?
around a SSSI is normally within 500m but may extend 2km or more from the SSSI boundary for certain kinds of development.