Special landscapes & sites

About 30% of Wales' land and waters have been chosen as special sites – either for their wildlife, their scenic beauty or value as geological sites.

Some are protected sites where conservation is backed up by law, others – which often overlap the statutory ones – have been earmarked for sensitive management as fine examples of natural sites.

Protected landscapes

Special landscapes - under UK Law

National Parks – Large areas which are designated by law to protect their special landscape qualities and promote outdoor recreation. National Parks have their own Authorities, which control planning. There are three in Wales.

Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs) – Protected by law because of their special landscape qualities. They have more protection than other areas under the planning process and, in terms of landscape and scenery, are equal to National Parks. Wales has five AONBs.

Other special landscapes

Heritage Coast – Stretches of outstanding, unspoilt coastline, usually cared for by local authorities. The 14 different stretches account for nearly half of Wales’ coastline.

Historic landscapes – Landscape can often show how areas and communities developed over the centuries. The best surviving examples have been identified and included on a register. They have no special protection, but the register’s aim is to draw attention to the value of these landscapes when planning applications and developments are considered.

Protected sites

Special sites - under UK law

Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) – These are the cornerstones of wildlife and habitat protection in Wales and are backed by law. There are more than 1,000 of them.

Marine Nature Reserves (MNRs) - Wales’ only Marine Nature Reserve is covered by special byelaws. MNRs protect important marine habitats, sea life and special features on shore or on the seabed.

Natura 2000 sites - under European Commission Directives

Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) – A network of strictly-protected sites across the European Union that will make an important contribution to protecting some of the 189 habitat types and 788 species that have been chosen for protection. SACs can be on land, on the coast or at sea. There are 90 SACs or candidate SACs in Wales.

Special Protection Areas (SPAs) – Strictly protected sites which aim to safeguard rare, vulnerable and migratory birds according to the European Commission’s Birds Directive. Wales has 19 SPAs. They are all SSSIs and are protected as such.

Special sites - under international agreements

Wetlands of International Importance – These are called Ramsar Sites after the town in Iran where an international convention was agreed to protect important and threatened wetlands, which can very from bogs and mires to open water. The 10 Ramsar Sites in Wales are all SSSIs and contain rare plants and animals. Many are particularly important for wildfowl.

Biosphere Reserves – Wales has one of these internationally recognised reserves which are dedicated to studying the way human activity affects the local environment. It is part of a world wide chain under UNESCO.

Biogenetic Reserves – A European network of reserves to conserve plants, animals and natural areas that may be common in one country, but scarce in another. They aim to protect a store of such genetic material for the future. Sites have to be SSSIs or similar. Wales has one.

Geoparks – Wales has one of this network of 25 European sites which are being conserved because of their geological importance.

Other special sites

National Nature Reserves (NNRs) – The best national examples of habitats, geology, wildlife or a combination of these. They are owned or leased by CCW or other conservation bodies and many can be visited. There are 66 in Wales.

Local Nature Reserves (LNRs) – These are set up by local authorities and have features which are important locally. They combine conservation with opportunities for quiet enjoyment of nature. There are 53 in Wales.