Contributing

What is an area of scientific interest?

author 0

What is an area of scientific interest?

Areas of Special Scientific Interest (ASSIs) are protected areas that represent the best of our wildlife and geological sites that make a considerable contribution to the conservation of our most valuable natural places.

What can you build in a SSSI?

SSSI’s include sites such as:

  • Ancient woodlands.
  • Species-rich grasslands.
  • Heathlands.
  • Coastal marshes and mudflats.
  • Unique geological formations.

What should you consider when building on a site of special scientific interest?

Proper planning and approval is needed. Permission from the statutory authority is needed.

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. Protection means that these places: have clear boundaries.

Who designates SSSIs?

Sites of Special Scientific Interest (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.

How many SSSIs are there in the UK?

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.

Who designates a SSSI?

Who is responsible for SSSI sites?

Responsibility for assessing and monitoring the condition of a SSSI lies with the appropriate statutory conservation agency (Natural England, Scottish Natural Heritage, Countryside Council for Wales or Environment and Heritage Service (DoENI)).

How many SSSI sites 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 a designation area?

A designated area is set up under section 133BC of the Building Act 2004. The area is approved by the Minister for Emergency Management and allows a local authority to take specific actions to manage buildings in an emergency.

What is a statutory site?

Statutory protected sites. If a site of nature conservation importance has ‘Statutory Protection’, it means that it receives protection by means of certain legislation in recognition of its biodiversity and/or geological value.

author

Back to Top