land nature food 8c878809-a47b-4fd1-bb2f-9e66e9f39999 8c878809-a47b-4fd1-bb2f-9e66e9f39999 Woodland Opportunity Map - Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and Special Area of Conservation (SAC) 2025-02-19 2025-02-19 A Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) is an area selected on scientific criteria and protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 because it contains wildlife or geological features of national importance for nature conservation. Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) were designated under the EC Habitats and Species Directive which came into force in 1992. All SACs, together with Special Protection Areas (SPAs) designated under the EC Wild Birds Directive to protect rare and migratory species of birds, comprise a network of sites known as the National Sites Network and represent the very best of Wales’ nature. Most terrestrial SACs sites in Wales are also designated as Sites of Special Scientific Interest. This layer also includes small areas of woodland Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) that are not underpinned by SSSI designation. While consultation is necessary for SSSIs, there are instances where appropriate planting would be beneficial. Please see GN002 for further information and contact details. 51.32296775752025 -5.812824671239682 53.45287012314927 -2.643503590450309