Protecting our Biodiversity Heritage
Designation Framework

• European – The EU Habitats Directive and Birds Directive form the basis for the pan-European Natura 2000 network of conservation sites. In the UK these sites are designated as Special Protection Areas (SPA) and Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) and are afforded statutory protection under the Conservation of Natural Habitats Regulations 1994. Certain species of plants and animals are protected by the Habitats Directive, for example all species of bats.
  
  
• National – Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) are the country’s very best wildlife sites and are afforded statutory protection under the Wildlife and Countryside Act, 1981. It is an offence for anyone to knowingly damage a SSSI. Public bodies must take reasonable steps to further their conservation and enhancement. SSSIs which have special qualities are designated National Nature Reserves (NNRs). Certain species of plants and animals are protected by the Wildlife and Countryside Act, such as water voles.
  
  
• Local – Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINCs) or Wildlife Sites are identified in local development plans, and are protected through the planning system. Local Nature Reserves are statutory sites declared by Local Authorities especially to promote education, awareness raising and accessibility to nature. Their significance may be set out in planning policies, so for example, in London there are sites of metropolitan, borough and local importance. Other statutory designations include Local Nature Reserves, which are sites of nature conservation value managed by Local Authorities especially to promote education, awareness raising and accessibility to nature.
  
  

Sources:
1. UK Government (1994) Biodiversity – the UK action plan, HMSO
2. English Nature (2004) http://www.english-nature.org.uk/
3. Joint Nature Conservancy Council (2004) Protected Sites, http://www.jncc.gov.uk/ProtectedSites/
4. Oxford, M (2000) Developing naturally, ALGE