Welcome

Local Wildlife Sites Project

There are over 1600 Local Wildlife Sites (LoWS) in Essex and these all play a fundamental role for the long term survival of wildlife. Local Wildlife Sites, together with statutory protected areas like Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), are fundamental as they provide a vital contribution in maintaining the current levels of wildlife in Essex. The main aim of the Project is to support owners and managers to ensure that Local Wildlife Sites are protected for the future. See general information page for further details.

Local Wildlife Sites and the Living Landscape Vision

Local Wildlife Sites are fundamental to the Living Landscape Vision. The Living Landscape Vision is to establish large areas of quality countryside throughout Essex which are good for wildlife, recognise the importance of history and culture and which integrate social and economic benefits for people. Living Landscapes are ecologically functioning landscapes like river valleys, forested ridges, whole estuaries or diverse mosaics of grasslands, hedgerows and heaths. Local wildlife sites are often the core reservoirs for wildlife in their Living Landscape Areas.

The Living Landscape Vision will help to promote and protect Local Wildlife Sites and provide connectivity between sites. Click here for more information.