Wards Estate - Part 2

There was a comment on a previous post querying why the RSPB needed to raise funds to buy the Wards Estate when it is already covered by a number of protective designations. I took this up with RSPB who have given this response.
"The site is indeed covered by a number of natural heritage designations (NNR, SSSI, SAC, SPA).  These help to protect the site from damaging development or activities.  They do not, however, guarantee that the site will be managed in the best way or that we make the most of opportunities for the public to enjoy it.  This partnership will safeguard the wildlife and precious habitats on this site for at least another 25 years. Had SNH and the Park chosen not to provide funding, it is likely that RSPB would not have proceeded and the site may have been purchased by a private owner unwilling to work in partnership with SNH and the Park Authority"

This is an impressive array of letters which led me to try to find out a bit more about what they mean. Here is a summary but a lot more detailed information on protective designations can be found on SNH's website
NNR - National Nature Reserve. National Nature Reserves are areas of land set aside for nature, where the main purpose of management is the conservation of habitats and species of national and international significance. Visitors are welcome at National Nature Reserves.


SSSI - Site of Special Scientific Interest.  Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) are those areas of land and water (to the seaward limits of local authority areas) that Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) considers to best represent our natural heritage - its diversity of plants, animals and habitats, rocks and landforms, or a combinations of such natural features. 


SAC - Special Area of Conservation.  This is an international designation and recognises the importance of a site that extends beyond national boundaries.  A Special Area of Conservation (or SAC) is a site designated under the Habitats Directive. These sites are called Natura sites and they are internationally important for threatened habitats and species. Natura sites form a unique network of protected areas which stretches across Europe from the rocky coasts of Ireland in the west, to the marshes of eastern Poland, taking in the northern forests of Sweden and the volcanic lava fields of Tenerife. SACs are selected for a number of habitats and species.
SPA - Special Protection Area.  Another international designation. A Special Protection Area (or SPA) is a site designated under the Birds Directive. SPAs are selected for a number of rare, threatened or vulnerable bird species listed in Annex I of the Birds Directive, and also for regularly occurring migratory species.


RAMSAR.  RSPB didn't mention this but this is also an important international designation.  What does Ramsar stand for? It's actually the name of a town in Iran where the Convention of Wetlands of International Importance was adopted in 1971. The UK Government signed up to the Convention in 1976.  The mission of the Convention is "the conservation and wise use of wetlands by national action and international cooperation as a means to achieving sustainable development throughout the world".

This emphasises yet again what a very special place this is and makes me appreciate even more how lucky I am to be able to enjoy the wonders of this area on a daily basis.