Non statutory habitat designations

Non statutorily designated sites rely on the good will of the landowners to manage them for conservation purposes. It is not a legal offence to carry out activities that may detrimental to the ecological interest of the site.

These types desigantions are taken into account by a local planning authority when deciding a planning application. The local authority should have regard for the conservation purpose of the site.

Local Nature Reserves and Sites of Nature Conservation Importance

Local Nature Reserves (LNR), Sites of Nature Conservation Importance (SNCIs) and County Wildlife Sites are usually established by Local Authorities with the intention of managing the land for conservation purposes, affording some protection of locally important sites.

These areas will be identified in local planning policy and allow the protection of smaller sites that are not of national value to be protected from unsympathetic use.

Historic parks and gardens

Historic parks and gardens (England and Wales) and historic gardens and designed landscapes (Scotland) enjoy high levels of policy protection in national planning guidance and special consultation procedures but no direct statutory protection. A local authority must consult statutory bodies (such as English Heritage) on planning applications that affect them.

English Heritage have compiled and maintain a register of historic parks and gardens in England and Wales.

Historic Scotland keeps the inventory of historic gardens and designated landscapes in Scotland.
 

Part of the Combe Haven Valley is designated as one of Englands best wildlife sites. Photo Derrick Coffee, Hastings Alliance