Local sites are designated by local authorities in cooperation with
Wildlife Trusts,
RIGS Groups or
Geology Trusts, or their equivalents. For example, in
Kent, local wildlife sites are identified by the
Kent Wildlife Trust). Selection is objective and is normally based upon a recent survey specifically designed for SNCI, but selection on the basis of existing, published information may also occur. The approach is similar to that used for the selection of biological
Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), but the thresholds are lower. Selection is primarily for habitats of inherent wildlife interest, but some sites may be selected for supporting rare or scarce species of plants or animals outside such habitats. The areas concerned may be areas of 'natural' habitats, or they may be man-made – for example, the
West Norwood Cemetery is designated a Site of Metropolitan Importance for Nature Conservation by the
London Borough of Lambeth Once identified, designation and protection of the areas are done by local authorities through planning policies in their
development plans. National government guidance (
PPS 9) requires all development plans to include such policies. The variation in names for the designation reflects its separate existence in the different development plans for different areas. In some areas, the designation is subdivided, or additional, more local designations are also used. For example, in
Greater London SINCs are divided into the following grades: • Site of Metropolitan Importance for Nature Conservation • Site of Borough Importance for Nature Conservation (Grade I and Grade II) • Site of Local Importance for Nature Conservation == See also ==