Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) Monitoring Framework

Natural England SSSI Monitoring Aims

Monitoring and evaluation of SSSIs is an important aspect of Natural England's work on protected sites as it enables us to understand the impacts of management and other pressures on the notified features. We have moved to a Whole Feature Assessment (WFA) approach, aligning with all other UK Statutory Nature Conservation bodies, to obtain feature-scale data and understand the bigger picture. We will still be able to report at the unit scale to support conversations with land managers.

Interim targets of the Environmental Improvement Plan (EIP) published in January include the delivery of an up-to-date condition assessment for every SSSI (feature) by the beginning of 2028.

SSSI Monitoring Programme

Monitoring and evaluation of SSSIs is an important aspect of Natural England's overall monitoring programme. It provides evidence that helps us deliver our statutory functions for SSSIs and other designated sites. We use this evidence to advise land managers, partners and stakeholders, and help them sustain SSSIs in favourable condition, or restore those in unfavourable condition. We are reforming these processes to obtain feature-scale data and understand the bigger picture. The SSSI Monitoring and Evaluation Programme tackles the decline in SSSI monitoring frequency in recent years and our SSSI evidence base. It aims to provide robust evidence to support site management, local nature recovery projects, and national policy delivery and reporting.

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