Protecting Wildlife Areas

The council helps to protect wild plants and animals and the areas where they live by looking after wildlife habitats. The council may also buy land or make agreements with landowners to manage local nature reserves. They can also make byelaws to help protect the wildlife of a reserve.

SSSIs (Sites of Special Scientific Interest) are areas of land which have a special wildlife or geological interest. They are designated by English Nature. Most SSSIs are owned privately and designation does not give the public rights of access. The council must take account of the importance of SSSIs when considering development proposals which may affect them, and must consult English Nature before granting planning permission.

You have the right to see the Local Land Charges Register kept by the council, which gives details of SSSIs in your area and may contain details of other wildlife sites.

You can help by reporting people to the Council if they disobey the byelaws on land in the Council's ownership and telling the police if you see people disturbing or damaging wild animals or plants.

Contact Neighbourhood Services on 01276 707330 or email environmental.health@surreyheath.gov.uk