Local Wildlife Sites

Local Wildlife Sites

Local Wildlife Sites, along with biological Sites of Special Scientific Interest, are the most important places for wildlife in the county. They have substantive nature conservation value and their continued presence makes a significant contribution to the maintenance of biodiversity. They may also have an important role in contributing to public enjoyment and understanding of nature.

Aims

• To provide a comprehensive rather than representative suite of sites.
• To include the full range of habitat types of nature conservation importance in Lincolnshire.
• To include sites supporting species that are rare or threatened nationally, regionally or in the county.
• To reflect the geographical distribution of habitats and species in Lincolnshire, particularly where this includes species at the limit of their national or local range or isolated pockets of habitat otherwise uncommon in the locality.
• To link sites of biodiversity importance and provide routes or stepping-stones for the migration, dispersal and genetic exchange of species in the wider environment.
• To contribute to the quality of life and well-being of the community and reflect the importance of conservation for scientific purposes, education and enjoyment.

Local Wildlife Sites Panel

The LWS Panel recommends sites for selection as Local Wildlife Sites, based on survey information presented to it. The Panel is made up of ecologists from around the county and from different organisations. Local Authority representatives who are not ecologists attend relevant meetings as observers.