Designated conservation sites
There are a variety of protected conservation sites in the UK. These sites are recognised for their distinctive plants, animals, habitats, geology or landforms. If you cause damage to designated sites you could be fined.
Natura 2000 Site Network
This important network of sites covers the most threatened species and habitats in Europe. The network consists of:
- Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) – these sites protect natural habitats and rare and threatened species.
- Special Protection Areas (SPAs) – these sites protect wild bird species and their habitats.
SACs and SPAs are also often designated as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) and, in
Northern Ireland, Areas of Special Scientific Interest (ASSIs).
Ramsar Wetlands of International Importance (Ramsar sites)
Ramsar sites are internationally important wetland sites. Many SSSIs, SACs and SPAs are also designated under the Ramsar Convention as wetlands of international importance.
National parks
These sites were originally chosen for their scenery as well as their wildlife. The main roles of national parks are to conserve and enhance the landscape, buildings, plants and animals.
Each national park is managed by its own authority. If your business operates in a national park, or if you want further advice, you should contact your national park authority.
The national park authorities grant planning permission within these areas. Planning permission is stricter in these areas than in other areas.
Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) - England, Northern Ireland and Wales
These sites are selected for their landscape value, to conserve and enhance their natural beauty.
National Scenic Area (NSA) - Scotland
This designation is specific to Scotland and is the equivalent of an AONB.
Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) or, in Northern Ireland, Area of Special Scientific Interest (ASSI)
These sites include the best examples of our natural heritage, wildlife habitats, geological features and landforms. Sites that are internationally important are also designated as SACs and SPAs.
National Nature Reserve (NNR)
These sites protect some of the best examples of habitat and geological formations in the UK. They are of national and often international importance. These sites are mainly managed by the government conservation bodies, but also sometimes by non-governmental organisations such as the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), Wildlife Trusts and the National Trust.
Local Nature Reserve (LNR)
These sites contain wildlife or geological features that are of local interest. They are either owned or controlled by local councils. They have no national legal protection. However, they are often included in the council’s local plan, which provides management agreement and protection.
Regionally Important Geological and Geomorphological Sites (RIGGS)
These are locally significant designations that cover valuable geological features, such as cliff faces or river systems.
Archaeological sites
Many sites, buildings and features are legally protected as Scheduled Ancient Monuments. This covers a wide variety of structures such as cathedrals, burial mounds, standing stones and building ruins, as well as the surrounding land.
You should contact your local council archaeologist for advice.
You will need consent from English Heritage, Environment and Heritage Service (EHS) Northern Ireland, Historic Scotland or Cadw (Wales) for some types of work on or near protected sites.
In this guideline:
