Natural Sites of Special Interest (SSIs) are places that are considered to be of public importance because of their special zoological, ecological, botanical or geological interest, or a combination of these and other special qualities.
Find out if a building or place is listed on the register of natural sites.
Why a natural site is listed
Jersey's natural heritage includes many areas of particular interest for their wildlife habitats, geological features and landforms. Some are important as:
- wildlife havens
- natural laboratories for science
- educational resources displaying our geological history and richness of wildlife
The protection of our natural environment is a shared responsibility and an investment for the benefit of future generations.
Natural SSIs are given legal protection as the best examples of this natural heritage.
Some areas are of international importance and we have an added responsibility to maintain their quality.
The selection of Natural SSIs is based on scientific criteria which are explained in the Biodiversity Strategy for Jersey. These criteria are used to decide whether an area of land is of special interest.
Biodiversity Strategy for Jersey
Find the criteria used when looking at the potential listing of a geological sites of special interest.
Visiting sites of special interest
Jersey has a network of paths across public and private land in some of the Island’s most beautiful landscapes, some of which are SSIs. Visit the access to the countryside to find out where these sites are and how you can use them without harming the plants and animals that live there.
The listing process
The process is set out in the Planning and Building (Jersey) Law 2002. This law requires that the Chief Officer should maintain a list of places that are considered to be of public importance.
The listing process
How listing will affect you
Listing does not affect land ownership. A Natural SSI may include public or private land.
Many SSIs are of value to wildlife because they have been managed in a particular way for many years. In these cases, it is vital that this management continues.
It is also important to ensure that those entitled to use the land can continue to do so. Some modification may be needed to ensure that any activities do not materially affect the special interest for which it has been listed.
Permitted activities
A management statement, outlining the principles needed to conserve and enhance the special features, is provided at the time the site is listed. The statement will include a list of permitted activities that may be carried out on the site without significant impact.
Landowners or occupiers of land within a Natural SSI have responsibility for their land, but need to apply for prior permission to carry out any activities that are not considered to be permitted.
Application for permission to carry out a non permitted activity
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