what are local wildlife sites? why are they so important

What are Local Wildlife Sites?Local Wildlife Sites are areas of land identified for theirgreat wildlife value. Examples range from field ponds,streams and reedbeds, to ancient woodlands, flower-rich meadows and hedgerows. They can be found onland including farms, small holdings, roadside vergesand parks.

Local Wildlife Sites are the most important places forwildlife outside legally protected areas such as Sites ofSpecial Scientific Interest.

With over 40,000 Local Wildlife Sites in the UK this is awell established system. Leicestershire and Rutland’s1,000 sites, cover well over 3,000 hectares, but this isstill less than 2% of the two counties.

Why are they so important?Local Wildlife Sites are the grass-roots of natureconservation. Not only are they important in their ownright, but they also create a vital network of wildlife-richsites reaching across districts, counties and countries.They make the natural environment, as a whole morerobust and able to cope with change.

RecognitionThe Wildlife Trust recognises that the existence ofmany important Local Wildlife Sites is due to sensitivemanagement by landowners. We also recognise thedifficulties that owners and managers can face whenlooking after important and unusual sites, and are keento assist in the continued protection and enhancementof these special places.

Benefits of owning a LocalWildlife Site:� Contributing to the conservation of our local wildlife.

� Free site information and advice on practical landmanagement for wildlife.

� Free information on sources of grant aid, includingLeicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust’s smallgrant scheme.

� Recognition of Local Wildlife Sites in the HigherLevel Stewardship scheme.

Furthermore:� The designation does not give anyone a right of

access to the site other than on existing rights ofway.

� Ordinary land management and agriculturaloperations are not affected.

� Local Authorities provide a level of protection forLocal Wildlife Sites in Local DevelopmentFrameworks.

The role of the Wildlife TrustThe Leicetershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust wishes tosafeguard Local Wildlife Sites and we believe that thebest way to do this is by working with and supportinglandowners and managers. We offer free and practicalmanagement advice, taking land use and feasibility intoaccount. We can also provide information on grantsincluding our own small grant scheme.

The Wildlife Trust will always ask for permission beforeentering land and our advice is designed to be openand flexible.

“…we need to farm commercially, whilstdeveloping diverse wildlife habitats andconserving our Local Wildlife Sites. Wemanage this successfully with the WildlifeTrust’s expert and practical advice.”

Empingham Estate

“I feel very fortunate to own a Local WildlifeSite and the management guidance thathas been provided by the Wildlife Trust hasproved invaluable in encouraging rarerplants and insects.”

Mrs Johnson, local smallholder

Local Wildlife Sites criteriaLocal Wildlife Sites are identified using criteria drawn upby the Local Wildlife Sites Panel, which is made up oflocal nature conservation experts.

Local Wildlife Sites PanelThe Local Wildlife Site system in Leicestershire andRutland is run by a partnership including LeicestershireCounty Council, Leicestershire and Rutland WildlifeTrust, local authorities and Natural England. Thepartnership identifies Local Wildlife Sites using agreedcriteria and works to try and ensure their conservation.

Contact usLeicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust is alwayshappy to hear from Local Wildlife Site landowners andmanagers.

For free information or advice please contact us:Neill Talbot: 0116 272 8858 or ntalbot@lrwt.org.ukKatie Field: 0116 272 8859 or kfield@lrwt.org.uk

Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife TrustBrocks Hill Environment Centre, Washbrook Lane,Oadby, Leicestershire, LE2 5JJPhone: 0116 272 0444 Website: www.lrwt.org.ukRegistered charity 210531

Printed on recycled paper.

LocalWildlife Sites

“The national network of LocalWildlife Sites is important not onlyto ensure the future of rare species…

but also more common ones likethrushes, peacock butterflies

and cowslips”Sir David AttenboroughPatron of Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust