David Tipling/2020VISION
Local Wildlife Sites
Local Wildlife Sites (LWS) are areas of land recognised for having significant value for the conservation of wildlife.
These sites have been carefully selected for their substantive wildlife value, taking into consideration aspects including species composition, habitat type and quality, and location. They often contain rare or threatened habitat and species, and have an important role to play in meeting local and national targets for biodiversity conservation. Found on both public and mainly private land, they are considered to be of county, and even national, importance. In terms of number, total extent and connectivity across the landscape they are incredibly significant regionally and nationally.
Whilst Local Wildlife Sites are often flagged within Local Plans and do get some protection from development in planning system processes, their value is often poorly recognised and understood. They don't enjoy the same protection as nationally designated sites e.g. SSSI’s. The historical traditional management of many of these sites, or their inaccessibility for more intensive farming methods, often accounts for their rich wildlife today. Their long-term survival depends upon the interest and continued active, sensitive, management effort and goodwill of their land managers and owners.
Barn owl by Chris Gomersall/2020VISION
Oxfordshire Wildlife Sites Project
A joint project between BBOWT and the Thames Valley Environmental Records Centre (TVERC), the Oxfordshire Wildlife Sites Project aims to identify the best quality sites for wildlife across Oxfordshire and offer support for these. For over twenty years a process of survey and assessment has been used to determine those that fit the selection criteria.
Our BBOWT officers work with land managers to aid their understanding of the special significance of their designated site and further promote opportunities for wildlife. This may be through discussions on management approaches and techniques or by providing information on funding opportunities, contractors and other useful resources.
Information on individual Local Wildlife Sites (LWS) is held by the local records centre, TVERC, who lead on surveying and assessments. There are currently around 400 LWS across Oxfordshire, including ancient woodland, wetlands, chalk and limestone grassland, hay meadows and pastures. In Cherwell a similar, secondary, tier of designated sites known as District Wildlife Sites (DWS) is also recognised.
As the owner or manager of an LWS or DWS the project gives you:
- recognition that your land management has produced an important site for Oxfordshire's wildlife
- access to free surveys and information about the wildlife on your land
- the offer of free expert advice about conservation management and grant aid.
The Oxfordshire Wildlife Sites Project is funded by: Oxfordshire County Council; Cherwell District Council; West Oxfordshire District Council; South Oxfordshire District Council and the Vale of White Horse District Council.
Find out more
Oxfordshire
Download the Oxfordshire Wildlife Sites Landowner's Guide:
Contact BBOWT for information on the Oxfordshire Wildlife Sites Project and management advice for sites in Oxfordshire.
Contact TVERC for information on individual sites, site selection process and surveying.
Berkshire and Buckinghamshire
We don’t currently have projects offering free advice on Local Wildlife Sites in Berkshire or Buckinghamshire. However, you can contact our consultancy Future Nature WTC for land management advice.
In Buckinghamshire surveys are undertaken by the Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes Records Centre (BMERC).
In Berkshire, surveys are undertaken by TVERC.
