Sites of Special Scientific Interest
SSSIs are the country's very best wildlife and geological sites. They include some of the most spectacular and beautiful habitats; wetlands teeming with wading birds, winding chalk rivers, flower-rich meadows, windswept shingle beaches and remote upland peat bogs.
Swanton Novers SSSI, Norfolk
There are over 4,100 Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) in England, covering around 8% of the country's land area. More than 70% of these sites (by area) are internationally important for their wildlife and designated as Special Areas of Conservation (SACs), Special Protection Areas (SPAs) or Ramsar sites.
Many SSSIs are also National Nature Reserves (NNRs) or Local Nature Reserves (LNRs).
- Why are SSSIs important?
- How are SSSIs designated?
- Guidance for SSSI owners and occupiers
- What involvement do Public Bodies have with SSSIs?
- Search for details of individual SSSIs
- Reports on condition of SSSIs
- Maps of SSSIs
Publications
Sites of Special Scientific Interest: A brief guide for land owners and occupiers (NE322)
Protecting England's natural treasures - Sites of Special Scientific Interest (NE306)
Select a region
Important update
Guidance for organisers of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Beacons