What legislation protects SSSI?
Natural England identifies and protects SSSIs in England under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended). Natural England will select and notify an area as a new SSSI when it believes the land’s wildlife, geology or landform is of special interest.
Do I need SSSI consent?
Details. As the owner or occupier of a SSSI , you must give notice and get Natural England’s permission (consent) before you: carry out a planned activity on it. allow someone else to carry out a planned activity on it.
Is Damaging a SSSI a criminal Offence?
It is an offence to intentionally or recklessly damage, disturb or destroy land known to be an SSSI or intentionally or recklessly disturb the wildlife in an SSSI. It is also an offence to take down, damage or obstruct an SSSI notice or sign.
What is a Site of Special Scientific Interest Wales?
A SSSI is a conservation designation where some of the most important habitats, species and geological features can be found. There are over 1,000 SSSI’s in Wales covering more than 235 thousand hectares this is just over 12% of the country’s land surface.
What is a Site of Special Scientific interest Wales?
Can you shoot on a SSSI?
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.
Why might an area be designated as a SSSI?
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.
What is an SSSI impact zone?
The SSSI IRZs are a GIS tool/dataset. 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.
Can you camp on SSSI land?
Camping atop a hill on the long Scottish summer nights can be special (especially if there are neither clouds nor midges!). ‘The law protecting SSSIs now covers everyone, not just public bodies and the owners and occupiers of SSSIs. Previously, activities by “third parties” were not illegal under the SSSI legislation.
Where is the SSSI site in Wales?
To check if land is designated a SSSI use Y Lle – the Welsh government’s map or DEFRA’s magic map system. To see documents for a SSSI, such as its reason for designation and location, use the designated sites search.
What are statutory designated sites?
What are Statutory Designations? Statutory Designations apply to areas of land or water and serve to identify local or regional areas of value to the natural heritage and to assist better planning and management of the countryside.
Can you fly a drone over an SSSI?
Might not be illegal to fly over an SSSI but if you disturb wildlife anywhere then it could be an offence in certain circumstances and SSSI are where you are more likely to do that. Plenty of places do say no drones in the SSSI in their areas, such as the Lake District.
How many SSSI are there in the UK?
4,000 Sites
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.
What is an SSI site?
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.
Is an LNR a statutory site?
LNRs are designated for both people and wildlife. They offer people special opportunities to study or learn about nature or simply to enjoy it. LNRs are designated by the local authority under Section 21 of the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949.
How are SSSI managed in Wales?
In order to ensure consistent, favourable long-term management of these sites, Natural Resources Wales (NRW) with landowners have prepared management plans for all SSSI in Wales. Local planning authorities are required to consult NRW before allowing any development to proceed that may affect an SSSI.
What does SSSI stand for?
Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) A Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) is an area selected on scientific criteria and protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 because it contains wildlife or geological features of national importance for nature conservation.
How do I apply for the assent of the SSSI?
Apply for our assent for works If you are planning to carry out works which may affect a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) then you must first notify us and ask for assent under section 28H of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. You must do this even if the works will happen outside of the SSSI.
How do I Manage my SSSI?
Each SSSI has a site management statement. This sets out why a site is special and how it should be managed. Find the statement for your site using the designated sites search. We may be able to offer you a management agreement for your SSSI. This means you receive a payment if you agree to manage the land in a certain way.