SSSIs and development

Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) are under threat as never before. A well-known example is Lodge Hill in Kent where developers Land Securities are planning a housing development. This site is designated a SSSI because of its national importance for Nightingales. This development has been called in by the Secretary of State and a public inquiry is due to be held.

A Rocha UK is fully committed to supporting current legislation on SSSIs. As a statutory designation enshrined in law there is a strong legal case for a site to be fully protected if it carries SSSI status. However, we are also keen that the conservation sector better engages with developers (as the RSPB is doing at Kingsbrook) so that there can be a greater meeting of minds on the need for both new sustainable development and creative space for wildlife conservation.

RSPB are working with Barratt Development on a project in Kingsbrook, Aylesbury Vale where 2450 new homes are planned. The partnership means the homes will be designed and built with wildlife in mind and are likely to include features such as orchards, hedgehog highways, newt ponds, tree-lined avenues, fruit trees in gardens, bat, owl and swift nest boxes and nectar-rich planting for bees.

Sources: RSPB, BBC website