National Parks

Areas designated under the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949. The purpose of the designation is to conserve and enhance the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage, with opportunities for recreation.

Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty

Areas designated under the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949, as amended by the Countryside Act 1968, Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and Environment Act 1995. The purpose of AONBs is to conserve and enhance the natural beauty of the landscape, through planning controls and appropriate management.

Sites of Special Scientific Interest

Sites notified under Section 28 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. SSSIs represent the best sites for wildlife and geology, where English Nature is responsible for identifying and protecting these sites.

National Nature Reserves (NNRs)

Sites are designated under Section 19 of the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949 or Section 35 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, by English Nature. NNRs were established to protect the most important areas of wildlife habitat and geological formations in Britain, and as places for scientific research.

RAMSAR Sites

Designated in accordance with the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance 1971 (commonly referred to as the RAMSARConvention. This provides the framework for national action and international cooperation for the conservation, management and wise use of wetlands and their resources, especially as Waterfowl habitat.