A Degree of Protection

While we have lost nearly all of our ancient habitats, small fragments still remain. These survivors exist today largely because of the legal protections afforded to them. However, "protected" does not always mean "safe."

The Challenge of Modern Protection

Our remaining ancient habitats are under constant pressure from planning applications. A significant concern in modern conservation is the idea of biodiversity offsetting—the suggestion that a protected ancient woodland can be destroyed if a larger number of trees are planted elsewhere.

The flaw in this logic is time:

• It takes hundreds, or even thousands, of years to develop the complex ecosystem of an ancient woodland.

• You cannot simply replace an ancient site with a new plantation and expect the same ecological value.

• A protected site left unmanaged will eventually lose the very characteristics that made it worth protecting in the first place.

The Hierarchy of Protection

In Britain, land is protected through several different types of designations, ranging from local green spaces to sites of international importance.

1. Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)

SSSIs are the "gold standard" for protecting wildlife and geology.

• The Goal: To conserve heritage for present and future generations.

• The Scale: There are over 4,000 SSSIs in England, covering roughly 8% of the country.

• The Process: Sites are "notified" by Natural England if they contain rare or threatened species or features.

• Management: Every SSSI must have a recorded condition and a management plan. Owners have strict guidelines on what they can and cannot do, though they can apply for funding to help meet these responsibilities.

2. National and Local Nature Reserves

• National Nature Reserves (NNR): These represent the very best wildlife sites in Britain. They receive the highest level of protection and direct management from Natural England. Examples include the recently designated Pebblebeds Heaths National Nature Reserve

• Local Nature Reserves (LNR): Designated by local authorities, these don't necessarily need rare wildlife. They are often created to provide "green space" for public health and relaxation. While protected from development, they face high pressure from human activity, such as litter or vandalism.

3. International Designations

Beyond UK law, several international agreements provide extra layers of security:

• RAMSAR Agreements: Specifically for wetlands of international importance.

• Natura 2000: European directives that designate 'Special Areas of Conservation' (SAC) or 'Special Protection Areas' (SPA).

• UNESCO Sites: Includes Biosphere Reserves and World Heritage Sites, such as Dorset’s Jurassic Coast.

Summary of Designations

Designation Managed By Primary Purpose

SSSI Natural England Protect rare/threatened species & geology

NNR Natural England Highest level of wildlife protection

LNR Local Authorities Community green space and local wildlife

National Parks/AONB Various Boards Landscape beauty and recreation

Important Distinction: Not all SSSIs are nature reserves, and not all nature reserves are SSSIs. While these labels don't guarantee total protection, they are our best defence against losing what remains.