Nature Conservation

The borough contains many areas that have been identified as being of particular wildlife interest.

Local Designations

Local Nature Reserves

Local nature reserves are sites of local importance with respect to their wildlife and geological features. There are two local nature reserves within the borough, the details of which can be found in the links to the right.

National Designations

Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI’s)

SSSI’s are sites which are designated because they are nationally important for wildlife and geological conservation. The Wash is a designated SSSI and details about this designation can be found in the links to the right.

European Designations

The Wash has several European designations due to its contribution to maintaining habitats and species. The following designations are part of a scheme called Natura 2000.

Special areas of conservation (SAC’s)

Special areas of conservation are sites designated under the European Habitats Directive because they make a significant contribution to conserving specific habitats and species, identified by the directive. There is one special area of conservation in the Borough, the Wash and North Norfolk Coast. Details can be found in the link to the right.

Special protection areas (SPA’s)

Special protection areas are sites designated under the European Birds Directive because they help to sustain rare and vulnerable birds, listed by the Directive. There is one special protection area in the Borough, The Wash. Details can be found in the links to the right.

Ramsar Sites

Ramsar sites are wetlands of international importance designated under the Ramsar Convention and although are not officially included in the Natura 2000 network, the government has advised they should be given the same level of protection. The Wash is also designated as a Ramsar site, the details of which can be found in the links below:

• Frampton Marsh Local Nature Reserve
• Hobhole Bank Local Nature Reserve
• The Wash Site of Special Scientific Interest
• The Wash & North Norfolk Coast Special Area of Conservation
• The Wash Special Protection Area
• The Wash Ramsar Site