Local Wildlife Sites

Local Wildlife Sites are areas of land that are especially important for their wildlife. They are some of our most valuable wildlife areas. Local Wildlife Sites are identified and selected locally using scientifically-determined criteria and surveys. They are corridors for wildlife, forming key components of ecological networks. The Wildlife Trusts have worked with local authorities, statutory agencies, landowners and other local partners to establish effective systems for identifying, managing and monitoring Local Wildlife Sites.

Local Wildlife Sites are identified and selected locally using robust, scientifically-determined criteria and detailed ecological surveys. As a result, these special and often secret spaces have a huge part to play in the natural green fabric of our towns and countryside. They make up a web of stepping stones and corridors for wildlife, forming key components of ecological networks. Read our short guide to Local Wildlife Sites to find out more.

They provide essential habitats for rare species, act as corridors that allow wildlife to move between areas, and serve as buffers protecting nature from surrounding land use. These sites are also crucial for restoring and connecting habitats, supporting the wildlife we enjoy in our gardens, and offering people access to green spaces that improve mental and physical wellbeing.

Local Wildlife Sites can be found on public and private land, owned by individuals or organisations including businesses, charities, schools and estates. Local Wildlife Sites cover around 5% of England and based on the responses from Local Wildlife Site partnerships, there were a total of 44,240 LWS reported, covering a total of 750,475 hectares (ha).

For more than 45 years, The Wildlife Trusts have worked with local authorities, Local Environmental Record Centres, statutory agencies, landowners and other local partners to establish effective systems for identifying, managing and monitoring Local Wildlife Sites. Within these partnerships, we often play a significant role in advising and supporting site owners. Unlike Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) and other protected areas, Local Wildlife Sites are non-statutory and have no legal protection, instead they rely on good local planning policies and decisions. The management of these sites is voluntary and rely on the sheer commitment of the landowners, farmers and volunteers who are prepared to carry out sensitive habitat management. Without such care and effort, a site will gradually decline.

The Wildlife Trusts are working in partnership with Natural England on a project to understand the status of Local Wildlife Sites and what is needed to ensure they are better recognised, managed and protected so they deliver more for nature and contribute to 30by30.

As part of this work, we produced a report that paints a picture of Local Wildlife Sites today. It looks at how partnerships are functioning, what data is being collected and stored, and how accessible this information is. Building on this, our End of Project Report brings together the main findings from across the project. It highlights the key challenges faced by those working with Local Wildlife Sites and sets out recommendations and next steps.

We are continuing to work with Natural England to seek solutions to the challenges identified through the project, so that LWS are better protected through policy and ensure the long-term collection, management and sharing of LWS data.

Read our end of project report       Read our current status report

Do you own or manage a piece of land listed as a Local Wildlife Site? Contact your local Wildlife Trust. They can offer advice or point you in the right direction for help with surveys and Management options.

Get involved by becoming a volunteer to help look after Local Wildlife Sites

Ask your local Wildlife Trust where to find Local Wildlife Sites open to the public near you. Get to know and enjoy them.