Natural England recently published a guide for landholders to help explain what a SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest) designation means in practice and launched a new online SSSI consent process.
SSSI guide for landholders – what's included in the guide?
The guide outlines the various roles of Natural England and landholders for SSSIs.
For landholders, this includes the key responsibilities associated with managing SSSI land when consent is needed for certain activities, and how to work with Natural England.
Natural England’s local teams work directly with landholders across the country and can provide environmental information about SSSI land, including survey results and condition assessments. They can also signpost funding opportunities and help support applications for ELMs (Environmental Land Management schemes).
Farmers already managing SSSIs will already be familiar with the contents of the guide, however it is useful to have this key information in one place.
The guide is available online at: Natural England | Sites of Special Scientific Interest: a guide for landholders
New SSSI online advice and consent process
Natural England has introduced a new online process for SSSI advice and consent, designed to make it clearer and easier for users, enable faster processing, a more consistent approach and improved transparency.
Landowners and occupiers must obtain Natural England’s consent before carrying out certain operations on SSSI land, such as drainage works, vegetation clearance, construction activities, or changes in land management.
The online process provides a structured way for applicants to describe proposed activities, identify locations and timings, and upload supporting documents.
Applicants can use the new Ask Natural England a Question or Get Advice form to seek guidance on activities that may affect a protected site.
For consent, applicants need to follow the guidance to check if they need advice and consent, before completing the consent notice form online. See: GOV.UK | SSSI: managing your land and getting consent for activities
Applicants would need to provide the following details in the online consent form:
- the land owner or occupier, if this is not you
- the name of the SSSI
- what you intend to do, including where, how and when
- the machinery you plan to use, including the type of machine and its approximate weight
- your name and address
- if applicable, details related to a land management scheme, or other permission, including the type of scheme, agreement reference number, where activities will take place and dates.
Natural England will acknowledge receipt of you consent form application within 10 working days and aims to provide a consent decision within 28 working days, but can take up to four months.
More from NFUonline:
Watch again: Exploring ELMs capital grants 2026