Sites of special scientific interest (SSSIs)

What is a Site of Special Scientific Interest?

STOP PRESS: A revised version of the National Planning Policy Framework was published on 17 August 2026. This content is being reviewed in light of the revised version.

Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) give legal protection to the most important sites for wildlife, geology and landform in England and Wales. They are areas of land that Natural England or Natural Resources Wales designate as being of special interest because of their flora, fauna, geological or physiographical features, such as wetlands, rivers, meadows, beaches and peat bogs.

Owners and occupiers of SSSIs are restricted in what they can do to and on the land and may need the consent of Natural England or Natural Resources Wales before carrying out, causing or permitting operations likely to damage the special interest of the site.

See Practice Note: Sites of special scientific interest (SSSIs).

Designation of SSSIs

Natural England and Natural Resources Wales have responsibility for identifying and protecting SSSIs under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (WCA 1981).

Where Natural England or Natural