How many SSSI sites are there in Scotland?
1,422 SSSIs
Scotland has 1,422 SSSIs, covering around 1,011,000 hectares or 12.6% of Scotland’s land area (above mean low water springs).
Where can I find SSSI sites?
SSSI are the finest sites for wildlife and natural features in England, supporting many characteristic, rare and endangered species, habitats and natural features. The data does Not include “proposed” sites. Boundaries are generally mapped against Ordnance Survey MasterMap. Full metadata can be viewed on data.gov.uk.
What should you consider when building on a site of special scientific interest?
The rules of construction are quite stringent here. Before the construction process, necessary surveys must be taken to prove that the SSSI wont be affected by the construction process or after it. Proper planning and approval is needed. Permission from the statutory authority is needed.
What is the purpose of SSSI?
A Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) is a formal conservation designation. Usually, it describes an area that’s of particular interest to science due to the rare species of fauna or flora it contains – or even important geological or physiological features that may lie in its boundaries.
How many SSSI are there in the UK?
4,000 Sites
There are over 4,000 Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) in England, covering about 7% of England’s land area. Over half of them, by area, are internationally important for their wildlife, and designated as Special Areas of Conservation (SACs), Special Protection Areas (SPAs) or Ramsar sites.
Can you remove SSSI land?
Perhaps you believe the application is too wide, and that the designation will deprive you of your farming income or inflict hardship on you. In addition, if Natural England agree, an existing SSSI can be withdrawn via ‘de-notification’ – but this is rare.
Can you shoot on a SSSI?
If you shoot or intend to shoot on these sites, you will need to check with your landowner if they already have permission – often referred to as ‘consent’ – from the statutory conservation body. Only landowners and occupiers can apply for consent.
Can you get planning permission on an SSSI?
Development affecting Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) and National Nature Reserves (NNRs) for planning permission. This usually also applies to developments that fall within a defined area around a SSSI. planning permission is unlikely to be granted for many developments that damage SSSIs.
Is Damaging a SSSI a criminal Offence?
It is an offence to intentionally or recklessly damage, disturb or destroy land known to be an SSSI or intentionally or recklessly disturb the wildlife in an SSSI. It is also an offence to take down, damage or obstruct an SSSI notice or sign.
Why is SSSI important?
Why have SSSIs? A SSSI can be designated to give higher levels of protection than other designations. This offers more security than other designations – like Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) for example. This status means owners must manage the site appropriately to conserve its special features.
Can you remove SSSI?