Local Wildlife Sites

From mystical ancient woodlands to quiet churchyards and bustling flower-rich roadsides; and from field-bordering hedgerows, to tiny copses, the UK enjoys special, often unnoticed wild places where nature thrives.

Whether they are in the depths of the countryside or nestled in busy towns and cities, these Local Wildlife Sites are exceptional areas of land.

They are identified and selected locally, by partnerships of local authorities, nature conservation charities, statutory agencies, ecologists and local nature experts, using robust, scientifically-determined criteria and detailed ecological surveys. Their selection is based on the most important, distinctive and threatened species and habitats within a national, regional and local context. This makes them some of our most valuable wildlife areas.

For more than 35 years, The Wildlife Trusts have worked with local authorities, statutory agencies, landowners and other local partners to establish effective systems for identifying, managing and monitoring Local Wildlife Sites. Within these partnerships, we often play a significant role in advising and supporting site owners. Local Wildlife Sites are often privately owned and so rely on the sheer commitment of the landowners, farmers and volunteers who are prepared to carry out sensitive habitat management. Without such care and effort, a site will gradually decline.

We have a series of habitat management advice sheets available for download at the end of this page.

Kent Wildlife Trust administrates the Richard Neame Local Wildlife Sites Award which is open to all Local Wildlife Site owners/managers to enter. The closing date for each year's entries is mid-October.