Many areas in Kent are designated, or protected, and support a wealth of biodiversity. Perhaps a less well-known category of protected sites are Local Wildlife Sites (LWSs).  

What are Local Wildlife Sites? 

Firstly, it’s important to understand how LWSs are defined and how they differ from statutory designated sites like SSSIs. LWSs are ‘Areas which are important for the conservation of wildlife in the administrative areas of Kent and Medway, covering land which falls outside of other statutory and non-statutory designations. They may support threatened habitats, such as chalk grassland or ancient woodland, or may be important for the wild plants or animals which are present.’  

In Kent, we now have 478 LWS’ (and counting!), and they can range in size anywhere between a 0.12 ha (0.3 acres) churchyard important for its orchids, to large grazing marsh sites of over 1,000 ha (2,500 acres).  

Are Local Wildlife Sites protected? 

Unlike statutory sites like SSSIs, LWSs do not receive legal protection although the importance of international, national and locally designated sites is recognised in government policy. The 2012 National Planning Policy Framework says protection should be “commensurate with their status and give[s] appropriate weight to their importance and the contribution that they make to wider ecological networks”.  

The Local Planning Authorities in Kent (the County Council, Medway Unitary Authority, and the various District, Borough and City Councils) recognise the importance of Local Wildlife Sites, and provide protection for them in their various Local Plan documents. Generally, planning policies protect against development which would damage the wildlife interest of any Local Wildlife Site, except where the need for development is so great that it is judged to override that interest. 

Clearly, these precious sites hold a great deal of potential for our wildlife. What specific functions do LWSs provide, and what can we do to protect them further? 

What makes these sites so important? 

Aside from their inherent value for biodiversity, Local Wildlife Sites also provide a range of benefits for people and wildlife too.  

• Stepping stones: LWSs help connect larger protected areas together rather than each protected area existing as an ‘island’. They therefore help to restore the landscape to a functioning ecosystem. This principle of establishing ‘wildlife corridors’ encourages otherwise isolated species to disperse and colonise new areas, crucial to species’ surviving climatic change.   

• Buffers: LWSs act to buffer the impacts of development and help to mitigate the impacts of the urban environment on the wider landscape. 

• Local green space: LWSs which are publicly accessible are vital for physical and mental health. Bringing nature closer encourages empathy with environmental issues, but also promotes wellbeing, improves health, and brings communities together.  

• Ecosystem services including cleaning our air, absorbing pollution, improving soil quality, and increasing flood resilience.  

How are they managed? 

Kent Wildlife Trust manages the Local Wildlife Sites system on behalf of Kent Nature Partnership. The Kent Nature Partnership Board, advised by its Management Working Group, makes the final decision on the criteria by which sites should be chosen, and on the selection of individual sites. This Group includes representatives from wildlife bodies, local authorities, and organisations representing land-owners and farmers. However, the direct management of these sites and their condition is the responsibility of individuals and organisations that own land within LWSs. Whilst landowners do not have a legal obligation to manage their land in the LWS for wildlife, it is hoped that, through working with KWT and other partnerships, they will consider biodiversity enhancement and wildlife conservation initiatives as part of their management plans.  

As we want to encourage landowners to manage their land in the best possible way for wildlife, we can offer advice and support for suitable management for landowners of LWSs. Wherever possible, the Trust will try to provide initial help and advice for free, or will seek to cover costs through grant aid.  

How are Local Wildlife Sites selected? 

As discussed earlier, LWSs are designated for their importance for wildlife at a local level, which may support threatened habitats or species. When a potential new LWS is proposed, a desktop search is undertaken, using a variety of data sources include biological records and land registry searches in order to obtain permission to survey the site. This data is then compared against the selection criteria (guidance for which can be downloaded from our website here) and the landowner will be consulted for feedback prior to the site being approved by KNP and the corresponding District Council.  

It is important to point out that designating an area of land does not grant public access or rights of way to the site and information on land ownership is not made publicly available.  

Local Wildlife Sites stand as a testament to Kent’s ecological diversity and play a significant role in connecting unique habitats across the landscape, enhancing the wellbeing of both wildlife and communities. As we explore some of the management strategies and landowner perspectives in upcoming blogs, we hope you will help us to continue championing these vital habitats, safeguarding their integrity, and embracing their significance in sustaining Kent's biodiversity for generations to come. 

In the meantime, you can learn more about some of the specifics in our PDF here.