Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) are the country's very best wildlife and geological sites. They are sites that are nationally important for either a geological feature, habitat or a species they support.
Protecting and managing SSSIs is a shared responsibility and an investment for the benefit of future generations. English Nature will advise and help the owners of SSSIs to make sure that these sites are managed in the best possible way.
There are eight SSSIs in the Local Plan area, some of which cross the boundary with the Peak District National Park.
Details of the SSSIs can be found on the Nature on the Map website. (External website**)
Special Protection Areas (SPAs) are protected areas that are designated for their international bird interest.
There is one large SPA that includes part of the Peak District moorland: Peak District Moors (Southern Pennine Moors Phase I); parts of this SPA fall inside the Local Plan area. The South Pennine Moors SPA includes the major moorland blocks of the South Pennines from Ilkley in the north to Leek and Matlock in the south. It covers extensive tracts of semi-natural moorland habitats including upland heath and blanket mire.
The site is of European importance for several upland breeding species, including birds of prey and waders.
Further information about Special Protection Areas, including the South Pennine Moors, can be found on the Joint Nature Conservation Committee website (External website**)
Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) are areas which have been given special protection under the European Union’s Habitats Directive. They provide increased protection to a variety of wild animals, plants and habitats and are a vital part of global efforts to conserve the world’s biodiversity. The Local Plan area includes parts of two SACs: The South Pennine Moors SACs and the Peak District Dales SACs.
A full list of the UK's SACs can be found on the Joint Nature Conservation Committee website (External website**)
** Please note: High Peak Borough Council is not responsible for the content of any external websites.