WIREDGOV

The report draws heavily on the evidence provided by Natural England outlining the extensive assessments involved in identifying and notifying SSSIs.

• Natural England welcomes the IUSS’s recognition of the importance of Natural England’s SSSI notification strategy – which was introduced in November 2008 - in maintaining the value of the SSSI series.

• Whilst we remain satisfied that the SSSI selection guidelines are substantially fit for purpose, we welcome the recommendation of the Committee to review certain aspects of the guidelines, especially in light of climate change pressures. We look forward to working with the other country conservation agencies (SNH and CCW) to support JNCC in completing this review.

Helen Phillips commented: “SSSIs have unique conservation value and it is important that they are assessed against rigorous and objective criteria, relevant to the changing pressures of 21st century life. The IUSS report is a helpful endorsement of the approach that is being taken to ensure that SSSIs retain their status as the jewels in the crown of England’s wildlife and geology sites”.

Until recently, SSSIs faced a very uncertain future. By 2003, nearly half were damaged or declining. In the three years since its formation, Natural England has turned that around and is on track to have 95% of SSSIs in favourable or recovering condition by the end of 2010.

Helen Phillips, Chief Executive of Natural England, said, “Natural England has been instrumental in reversing the steady decline that so many SSSIs had experienced over the last half century. After much hard work and investment, most SSSIs are now in a far better state under our management than they have been in for years.”

But in highlighting the successful turnaround in their condition, Helen Phillips warned: “SSSIs cannot be regarded as a scientific curiosity, and the idea that they can be maintained as isolated conservation showpieces is moribund. All too often, SSSIs are now the only enclaves left for a wide range of species and we cannot leave them isolated in the way they have been if we are to secure a stable future for our wildlife and biodiversity.

“Caring for SSSIs is a conservation imperative, but allowing habitats and species to survive beyond these protected areas and to expand into the wider landscape is perhaps an even greater one. We welcome today’s IUSS report and the focus it maintains on getting SSSIs right, but we should be under no illusions that SSSIs are only part of the equation. We have to give wildlife and habitats more room to thrive and to do this we have to move urgently from relying on the conservation of small sites to the management of entire landscape areas.”

Natural England already supports a wide range of landscape-scale restoration work. Helen Phillips concluded: “Natural England invests over £400m per year through Environmental Stewardship schemes to promote a healthy natural environment on farmland. We support a range of conservation bodies in their conservation work - £4.2m going to the Wildlife Trusts last year, for example, much of it to support landscape restoration. We have funded over £2m of wetland restoration in the last year. Investment on this scale is an indication of the enormous task that lies ahead, but it is imperative if we are to secure a more stable future for our wildlife and ensure that our countryside is able to deliver vital services - like clean air and water, and resilience to climate change - that we currently take too much for granted.”

For further information contact: The National Press Office on 0845 603 9953; for out of hours call 07970 098005

Notes to editors:

1. The 4,115 SSSIs in England cover over 1 million hectares, designated as special for their habitats, wildlife or geology. Since 1949, they have formed a vital network for wildlife and geological conservation and it is clear that delivery of the 2010 target is fundamental to maintaining the diversity of wildlife and geology in England. SSSIs also have an important role to play in maintaining water quality, flood alleviation, carbon storage and air quality.

2. The first national assessment of SSSI condition was in March 2003. At that point, 57% of SSSI were in target condition (ie in favourable or recovering condition). By 31st March 2009, the proportion of SSSIs area in target condition had increased to 88%. The target is to have 95% of SSSIs in target condition by end of 2010.

3. Natural England works for people, places and nature to conserve and enhance biodiversity, landscapes and wildlife in rural, urban, coastal and marine areas. We conserve and enhance the natural environment for its intrinsic value, the wellbeing and enjoyment of people, and the economic prosperity it brings.

For further information about SSSIs visit the Natural England website www.naturalengland.org.uk