Local Wildlife Sites

Local Wildlife Sites (formerly known as County Wildlife Sites) are sites of nature conservation value, which are designated by the County Council in consultation with Natural England and other conservation bodies. There are 300 Local Wildlife Sites in County Durham.  Local Wildlife Sites do not have the same statutory protection as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs).

Local Development Plans contain policies for their conservation, for example, by not permitting development to take place that would damage their wildlife value.