Check ecological designations
| Level of importance | Site designation | Designated by | Relevant legislation and policy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level of importance: Sites of international importance | Site designation: Special Area of Conservation (SAC) | Designated by: European Commission | Relevant legislation and policy: Habitats Directive 1992 Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010 The National Planning Policy Framework 2012 (NPPF) Circular 06/2005 Part I |
| Level of importance: Sites of national importance | Site designation: Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) | Designated by: Natural England | Relevant legislation and policy: Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 The National Planning Policy Framework 2012 (NPPF) Circular 06/2005 Part II |
| Level of importance: National Nature Reserve (NNR) | Site designation: Natural England | Designated by: National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949 | |
| Level of importance: Sites of regional/county/local importance | Site designation: Local Nature Reserve (LNR) | Designated by: Herefordshire Council or Parish Councils with ratification by Natural England | Relevant legislation and policy: National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949 The National Planning Policy Framework 2012 (NPPF) |
| Level of importance: Local Wildlife Sites (LWS) (formerly know as Special Wildlife Site (SWS) and Site of Importance to Nature Conservation (SINC)) | Site designation: Herefordshire Council in consultation with Herefordshire Wildlife Trust | Designated by: The National Planning Policy Framework 2012 (NPPF) | |
| Level of importance: Local Geological Site (LGS) (formerly known as Regionally Important Geological / Geomorphological Site (RIGS)) | Site designation: Herefordshire Council in consultation with Herefordshire and Worcestershire Earth Heritage Trust | Designated by: The National Planning Policy Framework 2012 (NPPF) | |
| Level of importance: Section 39 Agreement sites | Site designation: Herefordshire Council | Designated by: Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 Section 39 |