Local Wildlife Sites
Find out about our work to identify and designate land as Local Wildlife Sites to protect species and habitats.
Local Wildlife Sites (LWS) are some of the most ecologically important sites in the county and they are protected through the local planning system.
They often support rare or threatened species and habitats that are locally important and unique such as:
- flower-rich meadows
- tiny, fungi-filled churchyards
- majestic Chiltern Beechwoods
- urban wetlands supporting important wintering bird populations
Why they are important
These sites are essential for the conservation of wildlife in the UK.
They act as wildlife havens, corridors and ‘stepping stones’ for animals, birds and insects that live in urban environments.
There are 490 LWS in Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes covering over 7,000 hectares.
How we identify sites
Our surveyors at BMERC identify and survey potential sites and produce reports.
The reports are then sent to the landowner as well as the Local Wildlife Sites selection panel who are made up of:
- Wildlife experts
- County wildlife recorders
- Representatives from environmental organisations and statutory bodies
If approved, the land is designated as a Local Wildlife Site.
If your land is designated as a LWS
If it’s decided that your land is now a Local Wildlife Site you will receive a copy of the survey report, species list and management recommendations.
Be assured that the following will stay the same:
- day to day land management and agricultural operations
- existing access rights
As LWS are non-statutory sites, there are also no legal obligations associated with becoming an LWS.
Benefits of a LWS
Owning or managing a LWS also comes with a number of benefits, including:
- recognition that your site has a high ecological value and a history of good quality management
- your site will form part of a network of sites helping to protect wildlife and make it more resilient to climate change and human intervention
- accessing expert advice regarding species and habitat management and up-to-date ecological data
- the possibility of having an advantage when applying for funding to improve your site
- recognition in the planning process so that any planning application process may be quicker and easier because the planning team are already aware of the wildlife value of your site
Partnerships
The Local Wildlife Sites Project is funded and supported by the Buckinghamshire & Milton Keynes Natural Environment Partnership (the NEP).
This partnership brings together local authorities and organisations from across the public, private, health and education sectors, as well as conservation and community organisations to champion the value of the environment in decision-making.