SSSI owners and occupiers..

Do I have a SSSI on my land?

There are over 1,400 Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) across Scotland and together they cover about 12.9 % of land above the mean low water of spring tides.

You can search for details of any site of special scientific interest on your land. 

• Use the map-based search facilities in the SSSI Register 
• Look up the site name or use the maps in Scottish Natural Heritage's Sitelink 

What is protected in my SSSI?

If you owned or occupied the land when the SSSI was designated, Scottish Natural Heritage will have notified you with details of the site.  If you bought or occupied the land since 29 November 2004, the (former) owner should have given you a copy of the relevant papers.

• If you don't have a copy of the relevant paperwork, you can find the same site information on the Register of Scotland website 
• More about how SSSIs are selected and notified
• How are SSSIs protected by law?

What are the arrangements for managing SSSIs?

If you manage an SSSI, we will help you to carry out the appropriate management to maintain or enhance its natural features. You may also be eligible for payments through the Scotland Rural Development Programme (SRDP) - Rural Development Contracts  or one of our remaining Natural Care management schemes.

• More about sources of funding available to help with management

What operations require consent and how do I apply?

The management needed to protect and enhance the features of each unique site is different, so each has its own list of regulated activities - or operations requiring consent. Before carrying out any of these operations, you must first obtain consent from Scottish Natural Heritage.

• What are the operations requiring consent (ORCs) for my SSSI?
• How do I make an application for consent?

SNH must respond to your application within four months.  Generally applications are dealt with in a few weeks.  If SNH does not reply within four months, your application is deemed to have been refused and you may not proceed.

If you already have planning permission (granted on application) or permission from a relevant regulatory authority (including Scottish Ministers, Forestry Commission Scotland and Scottish Environment Protection Agency) you do not then need consent from Scottish Natural Heritage for the same operation.  In an emergency you may carry out an operation requiring consent but you must then inform SNH as soon as practicable after the event.

SNH may issue consent for the proposed operation as described, or may issue consent subject to conditions.  Where the proposed operation would damage the natural features of the SSSI (or an overlapping Natura site) we may refuse your application and you may not proceed.

What can I do if I don't agree with SNH?

If you disagree with Scottish Natural Heritage, you may have a right of appeal against:

• SNH's refusal of consent for an operation
• The conditions attached by SNH to a consent
• The failure of SNH to offer a management agreement
• The terms of such an agreement offered by SNH

Your appeal must be made in writing to the Scottish Land Court  , within 28 days of SNH's decision.