North is meeting target on sites for nature

Dec 31 2010 by Tony Henderson, The Journal

THE North East is on track to meet Government targets for improvements to its best nature sites.

Official figures yesterday show that 98% of the region’s acreage of sites of special scientific interest (SSSIs) are meeting the targets.

SSSIs cover the best wildlife and geological sites and the Government goal was to have 95% in a favourable or recovering condition by the end of this year.

This is a major improvement since 2003, when only 57% were in the same condition.

It follows seven years of work by Defra, in conjunction with Natural England, the Environment Agency, the Forestry Commission and partners from the public, private and voluntary sectors.

Recovering condition means that all necessary management measures are in place to address the reasons for unfavourable condition and if these measures are sustained, the site will become favourable over time.

In the North East, 21% of SSSIs are in a favourable condition, 77% are rated as unfavourable but recovering, and just 0.92% are unfavourable no change with 0.25% still declining.

The improved areas include Bowes Moor in Country Durham where the SSSI area has been transformed through a partnership between landowners, commoners and conservationists, helping to increase species such as merlin, golden plover and black grouse.

In Northumberland, the majority of the recovering SSSIs are in Tynedale, with another 33 in Allendale, 12 in the Cheviots, nine in the Simonside area and seven in Harbottle.

Rob Aubrook, Natural England’s regional director for the North East, said: “I am delighted with the significant improvement that has been made to the network of SSSIs in the North East and congratulate everyone involved in this important work over the last few years.

“This achievement wouldn’t have been possible without the support and hard work of a wide range of individuals and organisations who care about our region’s natural environment.

“SSSIs are the country’s very best wildlife and geological sites and in this region they cover some of the North East’s most spectacular and beautiful habitats and landscapes, including The Cheviot, the Northumberland coast, the Pennine moors, Roman Wall country and the Farne Islands.

“The sites covered by SSSI designation in this region are incredibly diverse and range from vast moorland landscapes to small quarries and local ponds.

“SSSIs do more than just preserve the best of our natural heritage. They provide places for recreation and scientific research, and safeguard essential services such as clean water, flood management, carbon storage, pollination and food production.”

Welcoming the progress, Environment Secretary Caroline Spelman said yesterday: “These sites really deserve the title of special. They include spectacular and beautiful habitats from flower-rich meadows to remote upland peat bogs and give protection to wildlife that might not otherwise survive.

“This fantastic achievement is testimony to the hard work of everyone involved. People really do care about and value our natural environment and together we can safeguard our remaining natural heritage for future generations.”

As well as protecting wildlife, these sites also give opportunities for rural businesses, space for recreation and scientific research, and safeguard essential services such as clean water, flood management, carbon storage, pollination and food production.