Orchard Network

Local Wildlife Sites (often called County Wildlife Sites) are a non-statutory designation given to areas that are important for wildlife. They compliment nature reserves and SSSIs by helping to link these places, and provide a mechanism for conservation at a very local level. Local wildlife Sites are often a Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) priority habitat, or support priority BAP species. They can also offer benefit to people - especially where they are accessible for the public, offering opportunities for outdoor education, research or simply enjoyment.

Local Wildlife Sites are protected within the local planning system. They are a 'material consideration' in the determination of planning applications, and this should ensure that there is a general presumption against development upon them.

Traditional Orchards are potential candidates for Local Wildlife Site designation. Their designation and management is ususally overseen by a partnership of organisations often including the local Wildlife Trust, local authority, government agencies and local landowners.

Links

Local Sites: Guidance on their identification, selection and management (Defra)