National and International importance of National Nature Reserves

 Wildlife importance of NNR's

National wildlife importance of NNRs - Sites of Special Scientific Interest

Stackpole NNR, Pembrokeshire
           M. Hammett, © CCW

98% of NNRs by area are designated as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), which indicates that the species, habitats and geology in question are of national importance. SSSI status also affords wide-ranging legal protection from damage.

The remaining 2% (523 ha on 18 sites) is not notified as SSSI for of one of the following reasons:

• The area meets SSSI criteria but the notification process has not yet been completed;
• The area does not meet SSSI criteria but forms part of the NNR holding or management unit, e.g. car parks, buildings, fields for holding stock, etc;
• The area is in the sea below the low water mark, where SSSIs are not normally designated.

More information on SSSIs

International wildlife importance of NNR's

Over 90% of the NNR area in Wales is officially recognised as being of international conservation importance, and as such has been awarded a range of designations:

Dyfi NNR, Gwynedd/Ceredigion
            P.Wakely, © CCW

Some sites have several overlapping designations which represent the range and high quality of the natural resource that they support. E.g. For example, Y Berwyn is designated a SAC for its moorland habitats and a SPA for its wealth of birdlife.

Meanwhile, the Dyfi NNR is a jewel in the crown, having been awarded no less than four different international designations (SAC, SPA, Ramsar and Biosphere Reserve.)

Sometimes an NNR is part of a much larger SAC or SPA: for example, Cwm Idwal NNR (403 ha) is within Eryri/Snowdonia SAC (19,736 ha). In such case, the NNR can promote the conservation of the wider SAC/SPA by acting as an exemplar of good conservation management and a focus for visitors.