Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs)

Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) are legally protected areas in England, Scotland and Wales that contain important wildlife, habitats, geological formations or landforms. They are designated because they represent some of the best examples of the country’s natural heritage, including wetlands, woodlands, grasslands, coastlines and habitats for rare or threatened species. Activities that could damage an SSSI may require approval from the relevant conservation authority, and owners or land managers are expected to protect its designated features. SSSIs form a core part of the UK’s nature conservation network and can support biodiversity recovery, scientific research, carbon storage, water management and climate resilience. Their ecological condition is regularly assessed as favourable, recovering or unfavourable.