Jurisdiction(s):
United Kingdom

Related legal acts

Key definition

Natural England definition

What does Natural England mean? In legal practice, Natural England is the statutory nature conservation adviser for England, frequently engaged in planning and infrastructure consenting, Habitats Regulations Assessment, protected species licensing and site conservation. Created by the Natural environment and Rural Communities Act 2006, and acting under legislation including the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 and the Marine and Coastal access Act 2009, it is the “appropriate nature conservation body” for England. Key functions include: statutory consultee responses on planning and nationally significant infrastructure; SSSI notification and consents; advice on Habitats Regulations Assessment and nutrient neutrality;...

Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) in England and Wales: designation, consents, planning duties, offences, enforcement and appeals under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981

Published by a LexisNexis Planning expert

Practice notes

What is a Site of Special Scientific Interest?

Sites in England and Wales that are recognised for their special interest, by reason of their flora, fauna, geological or physiological features, are given statutory protection under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (WCA 1981). Natural England or Natural Resources Wales are responsible for designating these areas under WCA 1981, s 28.

SSSIs can include a range of places, such as:

Wetlands
Rivers
Meadows
Beaches
Peat bogs

Owners of SSSIs are restricted in what they may undertake to and on the land and must manage it so as not to cause any damage to it. Public bodies are also under a duty to take reasonable steps to further the conservation and enhancement of the special features of SSSIs.

Legislation and guidance

Legislation

The provisions relevant to the designation and management of SSSIs are found in WCA 1981, ss 28–28S, 32 and 33.

Guidance in England

In England, Natural England has published guidance explaining the Rules that owners and occupiers must follow when managing land within an SSSI...

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Web page updated on 21/05/2026

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