DEFRA publishes new guidance on sites of special scientific interest

A new guide on the protection and management of over 4,000 Sites of

Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) in England is published today by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).

'Sites of Special Scientific Interest: Encouraging Positive

Partnerships' provides advice, recommendations and information for everyone whose interests or activities affect SSSIs; and especially advises English Nature on how it is expected to use its powers to

protect these sites.

Intended as an aid towards a clear understanding of how the law

protects SSSIs, the guide does not introduce new burdens on owners or occupiers. There is an emphasis on productive partnerships between

English Nature and landowners or managers which are essential for the conservation of SSSIs.

Effective management and conservation of SSSIs will contribute to achieving the objectives of the biodiversity strategy for England,

published in October last year, and is crucial to achieving the

Government target of bringing 95% of the area of SSSIs into

favourable condition by 2010.

The guide reflects the many changes to the management and protection of sites of special scientific interest in England and Wales brought in under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 (CROW).