Sites of Special Scientific Interest
A Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) is one of the country's very best wildlife and/or geological sites. SSSIs include some of the most spectacular and beautiful habitats: wetlands teeming with wading birds, winding chalk rivers, flower-rich meadows, windswept shingle beaches and remote upland peat bogs.
Swanton Novers SSSI, Norfolk
There are over 4,100 Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) in England, covering around 8% of the country's land area. More than 70% of these sites (by area) are internationally important for their wildlife and designated as Special Areas of Conservation (SACs), Special Protection Areas (SPAs) or Ramsar sites.
Many SSSIs are also National Nature Reserves (NNRs) or Local Nature Reserves (LNRs).
- Why are SSSIs important?
- How are SSSIs designated?
- Guidance for SSSI owners and occupiers
- What involvement do Public Bodies have with SSSIs?
- Search for details of individual SSSIs
- Reports on condition of SSSIs
- Maps of SSSIs (Magic website: select the SSSI layer in the Designations section)
Further information
- Sites of Special Scientific Interest: A brief guide for land owners and occupiers (NE322)
- Protecting England's natural treasures - Sites of Special Scientific Interest (NE306)
- Spotlight on SSSIs - newsletter June 2013
- Sites of Special Scientific Interest strategic standard
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'Spotlight on SSSIs’ published
(5 June 2013) Spotlight on SSSIs - the newsletter from Natural England that highlights the achievements of landowners, managers and our partners in improving the condition of Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) - has been published today.
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Chattenden Woods and Lodge Hill SSSI notified by Natural England
(14 March 2013) Natural England yesterday notified land at Lodge Hill in Kent as an extension to Chattenden Woods Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) for its nightingale population and its special grassland and woodland.
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Benty Grange SSSI confirmed by Natural England Board
(6 March 2013)The Board of Natural England has today given approval to confirm the designation of the Benty Grange Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) in Derbyshire, in recognition of the site’s nationally important grassland interest.
