Protection of Designated Sites
Recommendation (o). We are pleased that the Countryside and Rights of Way Bill will offer greater protection for Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs). We expect the Government and the statutory agencies to monitor the practical improvements which result, with a view to making modifications if necessary.
The Government considers that Part III of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000, providing improved means of protecting SSSIs and helping ensure their positive management, represents a significant and timely step forward. It recognises (as does the Committee’s report) that other factors have a considerable influence on the well-being of SSSIs. The Government has adopted the overall target of bringing 95% of the SSSIs in England into favourable condition by 2010. Monitoring of this target will be of critical importance. It has therefore asked English Nature to report annually on its implementation of the new provisions, and will consider further how successful the new legislation has been in improving the condition of these special sites.
Published 21 May 2001
Return to Wildlife and Countryside Index
Return to Defra Home Page