County Wildlife Sites (CWS) play a key role in the conservation of Suffolk’s biodiversity.

Suffolk has nearly 900 County Wildlife Sites, amounting to some 19200 hectares that represents 5% of the county.  County Wildlife Site designation is non-statutory but is recognition of a sites high value for wildlife with many sites being of county and often regional or national importance for wildlife. They often support characteristic or threatened species or habitats included in Local or National Biodiversity Action Plans. Sites may be privately or publicly owned and vary in size and shape from small meadows, green lanes, dykes and hedges to much larger areas of ancient woodlands, heathland, greens, commons and marsh.

County Wildlife Sites are designated according to selection criteria that follow Natural England guidelines. The Suffolk CWS panel, made up of expertise from Suffolk County Council, Suffolk Biological Records Centre (SBRC), Suffolk Wildlife Trust and Natural England, meets annually to assess and designate potential CWSs using the criteria.  A register of County Wildlife Sites is maintained that includes their location, boundaries and key features. A map of County Wildlife Sites is maintained and updated by SBRC this is available at http://www.users.globalnet.co.uk/~sbrc/

County Wildlife Sites are recognised by national planning policy (Planning Policy Statement 9) as having a fundamental role to play in meeting overall national biodiversity targets.  County Wildlife Sites are not protected by legislation but their importance is recognised by local authorities when considering any planning applications that may affect them.  Indeed, under planning policy there is a presumption against granting permission for development that would have an adverse impact on a site’s importance for wildlife.  Such measures have been strengthened by the provisions of the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 that require all public bodies to have regard for the conservation of biodiversity.  Suffolk Wildlife Trust monitors all planning applications for any potential impact on County Wildlife Sites.

Suffolk Wildlife Trust is committed to encouraging the appropriate management and protection of these sites for wildlife.  Advice is provided to with landowners, businesses and local authorities on conservation management of their land for the long-term benefit of its wildlife, guiding them on sources of grant-aid. This is particularly important as wildlife habitats can deteriorate if neglected or managed in an unfavourable way.  Suffolk Wildlife Trust makes about sixty visits each year to County Wildlife Sites, while contact is maintained with the owners of many others.

Suffolk Wildlife Trust’s Ecological Networks Project aims to identify and advise on opportunities to buffer and link semi-natural habitat including CWSs and to manage the wider countryside to benefit wildlife.

If you would like to arrange an advisory visit to your land or would like further information on CWSs, please contact the Suffolk Wildlife Trust’s Conservation team on 01473 890089.