Reviewing Local Environmental Assets

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. In Norfolk these include:

• Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs): many of international importance, these represent our best sites for wildlife (or geology).
• Special Areas of Conservation (SACs):  designated where they support internationally important habitats and/or species listed in the EC Habitats Directive.
• Special Protection Areas (SPAs): of international importance for the breeding, feeding, wintering or migration of rare and vulnerable species of birds.
• Ramsar Sites: wetlands of international importance.
• National Nature Reserves (NNRs): These were established to protect some of our most important habitats, species and geology, and to provide ‘outdoor laboratories’ for research.  Natural England manages about two thirds of England’s NNRs.
• Local Nature Reserves (LNRs): To qualify for LNR status, a site must be of importance for wildlife, geology, education or public enjoyment.

These are sites like County Wildlife Sites (CWS) that are protected to some extent in the planning system but not afforded legal protection. They have been designated due to their importance to wildlife at a county level and can provide a refuge for rare or threatened plants and animals.  It is therefore very important that these are protected in Neighbourhood Plan policies.

Roadside Nature Reserves (RNRs) also come into this category and most are important for scarce and unusual plants. They also act as wildlife corridors for many species and it is important that they are also protected.