What is SSSI status?
A SSSI can be designated to give higher levels of protection than other designations. This offers more security than other designations – like Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) for example. This status means owners must manage the site appropriately to conserve its special features.
What is SSSI woodland?
Sites of special scientific interest (SSSI) are protected by law to conserve their wildlife or geology. The Forestry Commission or Natural England can help identify woodland you own or occupy as an SSSI – this is called being designated.
Who designates SSSIs?
SSSIs are areas of special interest due to their fauna, flora, geological or physiographical features. The relevant statutory agencies and the DoENI designate areas as SSSIs under a special notification procedure.
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.
What can you do with SSSI land?
You must manage land within a SSSI effectively and appropriately to conserve the special features of the site, such as:
- grazing animals at particular times of the year.
- managing woodland.
- controlling water levels.
- managing scrub on species-rich grassland.
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 close can you build to an SSSI?
around a SSSI is normally within 500m but may extend 2km or more from the SSSI boundary for certain kinds of development.
How close to an SSSI can you build?
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.
Can you get planning on SSSI land?
Development affecting Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) and National Nature Reserves (NNRs) for planning permission. This usually also applies to developments that fall within a defined area around a SSSI. planning permission is unlikely to be granted for many developments that damage SSSIs.
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.
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.
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.
What is the woodland condition assessment?
The condition assessment has been developed and tested by members of the England Woodland Biodiversity Group* to enable owners to assess woodland condition in a standardised way. Feedback on how you find the assessment process would be useful using the blue feedback button.
How do I know if my property is a SSSI?
See SSSI condition and assessment for details of how Natural England classifies the condition of SSSIs. All SSSIs in England are registered on the Land Charges register. If you’re buying land, your conveyancing search will check if it’s notified as a SSSI.
What are SSSIs and why are they important?
SSSIs often contain important habitats such as grasslands, parkland and woodland. Some even contain ancient woodland and ancient trees. In other words, these areas have high conservation value, and need to be protected. Some sites become SSSIs because of their valuable ancient trees or woodland.
Who identifies and protects SSSIs in England?
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.