AS Conservation Designations

Question 1

Local nature reserve (LNR)

Answer 1

LNRs are designated under the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act (1949) for their local importance for wildlife, geology, education or public enjoyment. They are controlled or owned by local authorities.

Question 2

Marine conservation zone (MCZ)

Answer 2

MCZs are designated under UK law to protect a range of nationally important marine wildlife, habitats, geology and geomorphology, and can be designated anywhere in English and Welsh territorial and offshore waters.

Question 3

Marine nature reserve (MNR)

Answer 3

MNRs were designated under the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981) by Natural England (or CCW). Lundy Island and Skomer Island were MNRs. They have been re-designated as Marine Conservation Zones.

Question 4

Marine protected area (MPA)

Answer 4

A general name for marine areas that are legally protected for their wildlife, historical and cultural features. The legal protection is provided by the laws of the country involved.

Question 5

National nature reserve (NNR)

Answer 5

They are designated under UK law by the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act (1949). They include important habitats with complete communities of species. They are designated by Natural England (or CCW).

Question 6

Natura 2000

Answer 6

A network of protected sites in the EU that combine the SPAs and SACs set up under the EU birds and habitats directives.

Question 7

Ramsar site

Answer 7

A wetland site designated to protect its biodiversity under an international agreement: The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands (1971), especially as a habitat for water birds. They are designated in the UK by DEFRA.

Question 8

Sites of special scientific interest (SSSI)

Answer 8

SSSIs are designated by Natural England (or CCW) under UK law by The Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981) because of their importance for plants, animals, geological features or landforms.

Question 9

Special area of conservation (SAC)

Answer 9

SACs are designated by Natural England (or CCW) under the EU Habitats Directive to protect internationally important habitats for rare and vulnerable species.

Question 10

Special protection area (SPA)

Answer 10

SPAs are designated by Natural England (or CCW) under the EU Birds Directive to protect areas for rare and vulnerable bird species.