6 SSSIs and the wider environmental agenda
41. SSSIs, important though they are, are not sufficient
to conserve all of England's biodiversity; other kinds of protected
sites and other policies are necessary. Some of our witnesses
were concerned that the PSA target might divert attention from
other aspects of biodiversity policy.
42. EN accepted that there was a possibility that
that the degree of effort focussed on meeting the target could
detract from work in other areas, but said that it was very careful
to ensure that this did not occur.[47]
Indeed, we received several suggestions that attention to the
PSA target for SSSIs could have wider benefits for biodiversity
and the environment by encouraging more environmentally sustainable
policies.[48] Defra
and English Nature should take care that policies intended to
meet the PSA target do not have detrimental effects on other aspects
of conservation.
43. Alongside the conservation benefits that are
the prime function of SSSIs, these often very beautiful areas
have a lot to offer in terms of recreation and education. Some
local authorities, for example, have been able to achieve both
favourable condition and some of these wider public benefits on
SSSIs in their possession.
44. The Countryside and Rights of Way Act (CRoW)
2000 will further open access to many SSSIs: according to EN,
55% of CRoW access land is designated as SSSIs.[49]
Some of our witnesses viewed greater public access as a potential
threat to the condition of SSSIs: for example, a greater incidence
of accidental fires might be expected if visitor numbers were
higher. However EN believed that, if done carefully, "access
can be managed in a wildlife-friendly way".[50]
45. Public access
to SSSIs is important if their condition is to matter to more
than a few dedicated conservationists. Of course, it is vital
that visitors should not damage the sites but we believe that
sensitive management of routes, access points and information
should mean that the public can benefit from visiting SSSIs without
compromising the condition of sites.
47 Q115 Back
48
Q8 Back
49
Q117 Back
50
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