Protection of Wildlife Sites

How is Wildlife Protected?

Warrington’s wildlife is protected by national legislation and by local planning policy. The principal legislation is the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 (amended) and the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000. These allow for the protection of our rare plant and animal species. Legally protected species in Warrington include the great crested newt and all bat species. There is blanket protection for all nesting birds (excluding pest species) and wild flowers.

Internationally important sites are designated as ‘Special Areas of Conservation’ (SAC) under European legislation. There are three SAC sites in our area. These are at Risley Moss and Holcroft Moss because of their importance as mosslands and Rixton Claypits because of its importance for great crested newts. Site designation under European legislation represents the highest level of protection seen in Warrington. All development applications either on or adjacent to the site which could harm the special nature conservation interest will normally be refused; and all site management is carefully vetted by the Government’s statutory agency, Natural England.

Protection of Local Sites

At a local level, the Warrington Borough Council has discretionary powers to designate sites that are identified as having local importance for wildlife. These are referred to as ‘Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation’ (SINCs). We currently have approximately 43 such sites and are investigating a number of other locations that might also be designated in the future. The Council’s SINC system is non-statutory. A degree of protection is offered through the planning system from potentially harmful development, but this does not extend to how the site is managed in general. Inappropriate management or even neglect can seriously harm the nature conservation interest of a site.