Local Sites
In most areas, local authorities, working with other local partners, have set up systems for locally valued non-statutory sites which now support in the region of 35,000 Local Sites in England.
There are currently a number of different terms in use to describe sites of local importance, including Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINCs), Sites of Nature Conservation Importance (SNCIs) and Regionally Important Geological Sites (RIGS), although Defra recommends that the term Local Site, which may be sub-divided to Local Wildlife or Local Geological Site, should be used as a standard generic term to promote common understanding.
Defra has produced guidance intended to promote more transparent and consistent approaches in the operation of Local Sites systems across the country, embracing regional and local diversity and variation within the natural environment. It outlines the purposes of Local Sites systems and proposes frameworks, standards and roles for their operation as well as for the selection, protection and management of the sites themselves.
- Local Sites -
guidance on their identification,
selection and management
(260 KB) - 10 April 2006
LOCAL SITES SEMINAR HELD IN BIRMINGHAM
In January 2007, Defra hosted a seminar for practitioners involved in Local Sites partnerships and others with a wider interest in Local Sites. The aim of the seminar was to explore how to apply the principles set out in Defra’s Local Sites Guidance which was published in April 2006 and share good practice. [Further information and a summary of the days events].
Further information is available on our Help page about downloading or reading Adobe Acrobat documents.
Page published: 04 May 2007