Wildlife reserves and protected landscapes :Cross Stitch – Environment and greener living
There is a world of wildlife and natural beauty to be discovered in the UK and a wealth of choice. Find out about nature reserves, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, National Parks and Sites of Special Scientific Interest, and how to visit them.
Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) are the country’s very best wildlife and geological sites, and are usually found in National Nature Reserves.
They include some of the most spectacular and beautiful habitats, including wetlands teeming with birds, wildflower meadows, shingle beaches, remote uplands, moorland and peat bogs.
Find out more about SSSIs, including where they are, on the Natural England website.
There are now more than 1,400 Local Nature Reserves in England. They range from windswept coastal headlands, ancient woodlands and flower-rich meadows to former inner city railways, abandoned landfill sites and industrial areas now re-colonised by wildlife. They are an impressive natural resource, making an important contribution to biodiversity.
You could also visit one of the 150 nature reserves owned by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB). These are ideal for bird watchers and nature lovers. Some provide a wide range of facilities suitable for family days out, while others have only minimal services on offer. To find out more about RSPB nature reserves, visit the RSPB website.
National Parks contain some of the most remote and beautiful open spaces in the UK.
There are 14 National Parks in Britain. These are mostly located in the less populated upland areas with extensive swathes of open country and spectacular views.
Find out more on the ‘National Parks’ page.