Natural England

Natural England guidance explains how Local Sites partnerships in England should identify, assess and select areas of significant local nature conservation value using transparent, consistent and locally defined ecological and geological criteria. It covers site records, data standards, landowner engagement, management advice, community involvement, monitoring and reviews every five to ten years. Partnerships should select all sites meeting the criteria, support their conservation, coordinate Local Sites with other designations, and only deselect sites when their value has deteriorated substantially after considering restoration potential.

Local Sites are non-statutory areas of significant nature conservation value in England. They are identified and selected locally and are not legally protected, relying instead on local policies and decision-making. The two categories are Local Wildlife Sites, which have significant biodiversity value, and Local Geological Sites, which have significant geological value. These sites contribute to ecological networks and nature recovery.