The Local Wildlife Sites Project

Local Wildlife Sites (LWS) are some of the most important areas for wildlife in the county. They often support rare or threatened species and habitats that are important and distinctive in Buckinghamshire.

They include:

• chalk and limestone grasslands
• neutral hay meadows and pastures
• wetland
• heathland
• ancient woodland

Collectively, these sites act as wildlife havens, corridors, and “stepping stones” for animals, birds and insects in isolated, intensively managed or urban environments.

There are around 470 Local Wildlife Sites identified in Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes, together amounting to just over 7,000 hectares.

The project aims to encourage the continuation of this trend so that wildlife is retained and enhanced for the future.

The project is delivered by the Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes Environmental Records Centre (BMERC). The project is supported by the council and the Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes Natural Environment Partnership (NEP).

Biological Notification Sites, a previous and similar designation of locally important wildlife sites, are reviewed and assessed by Local Wildlife Site Officers to see if they are of reasonable quality to meet the LWS wildlife site criteria.

Where possible, more Local Wildlife Sites will be designated, if they meet the strict nationally adopted guidelines using specific survey methodology.

The project is also working towards:

• resurveying the county’s Local Wildlife Sites to assess their condition and species presence
• collecting data about these sites so that they have more weight in the planning process – we can then give more detailed advice to landowners who work with us to conserve these sites, and the public who wish to visit them

Sites are selected in the following way:

• a list is made of potential Local Wildlife Sites
• subject to landowner or tenant permission for access, sites are surveyed to record their flora and fauna
• the data is used to assess each site's wildlife value in a county context, considering all plants and animals
• sites are judged against criteria and, after consultation with landowners, a list and maps of Local Wildlife Sites is drawn up
• a report is produced for the landowner and for presentation to the Local Wildlife Sites selection panel.

The panel sits twice a year and is made up of a group of wildlife experts, county wildlife recorders and representatives from various environmental organisations and statutory bodies.

The panel reviews the reports and decides whether the site is of sufficient quality to meet the rigorous Local Wildlife Sites criteria. If approved, the site is then designated as a Local Wildlife Site.

Local Wildlife Sites are important as they can:

• help identify valuable wildlife areas
• alert landowners and managers to the unique interest features on their land
• provide an opportunity for specialist advice on how to manage land for wildlife

Landowners receive recognition that their site has a high ecological value and a history of good quality management.

The site will form part of a network of sites helping to protect wildlife and make it more resilient to climate change and human intervention.

LWS landowners can often access expert advice regarding species and habitat management and up-to-date ecological data. They receive a copy of the survey report, species list and management recommendations.

Having an LWS may be a distinct advantage when applying to agri-environment schemes or other funds for site improvements. Day-to-day land management and agricultural operations are not affected.

Although sites are recognised within the local planning system, there are no legal or statutory obligations for landowners of LWS. Their conservation relies on the voluntary co-operation of landowners and managers.