Through the establishment of a system of protected and designated sites, the UK ensures its responsibility to national and international conservation of species and habitats. The statutory basis for which is provided by various pieces of national legislation; in particular, the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.
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The internationally designated sites within the UK are represented by the Ramsar system of Wetlands of International Importance (especially as Waterfowl Habitat), designated under the Ramsar convention. European designations are represented by Special Protection Areas (SPA) and Special Areas of Conservation (SAC), established under the EC Birds Directive and Habitats Directive respectively, and together form the Natura 2000 network. Currently there are 12 Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) and 7 Special Protection Areas (SPA); either within or that intersect the Norfolk boundary.
National designated sites, such as National Nature Reserves (NNRs) are underpinned by the network of Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), coordinated by Natural England. This network is also the basis of UK's network of SACs and SPAs. There are 166 SSSIs; either within or that intersect the Norfolk boundary.
National landscape designations are also vital to conservation effort. In Norfolk the North Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) is of particular importance to biodiversity, local communities, public enjoyment and economic development. The AONB covers inter-tidal, coastal and agricultural land with a total area of over 450 square kilometres.
- International and national nature conservation and landscape designation definitions can be found on the Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC) website.
- Natural England also has a Designated Areas page.
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Outside the national suite of designations, there are locally relevant designations. At a statutory level Local Nature Reserves (LNR) are designated by local authorities.
Norfolk has a very important and extensive Local Sites Network. Known as the CWS system it is managed by a partnership of Norfolk Wildlife Trust (NWT), Norfolk County Council and Natural England, with the lead role taken by NWT. There are 1269 County Wildlife Sites (as of last update April 2009). Norfolk County Council also runs a network of Roadside Nature Reserves (RNRs). NBIS also hold information about Regionally Important Geological and Geomorphological Sites (RIGS).
A map of Designated Wildlife Sites in Norfolk is produced as part of the annual CWS updates. The designations on this map (SSSI, CWS, RNR and RIGs) are made available on request as part of our data enquiry service.
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EVENTS
5-6 June 2010 -Norfolk Wildlife Trust's Big Biodiversity Watch. @ NWT reserves across the county. For further information visit www.norfolkwildlifetrust.org.uk
19 June 2010 - Wild about Wymondham, Town Green Centre, Wymondham. For further information contact a.vroberts@talktalk.net
17-18 July 2010 - Non-native Species: Action Weekend. Various locations across Norfolk. For further information contact michael.sutton-croft@norfolk.gov.uk
09 September 2010 - Planning and Biodiversity Seminar, South Norfolk Council Offices, Long Stratton (tbc). For further information contact scott.perkin@norfolk.gov.uk
06 October 2010 (tbc) - Annual Biodiversity Forum: 'Economics and Biodiversity'. Abbey Conference Centre, Norwich. For further information contact scott.perkin@norfolk.gov.uk
09 October 2010 - Wild about Norfolk. Neatherd High School, Dereham. For further information contact Tessa Needham: needham_t@sky.com