manxwt.org.uk

Wildlife Sites

What are Wildlife Sites?  

Wildlife Sites are places that are of high wildlife value but are not statutorily designated or recognised by law; but they are protected through the planning system.  They are the most important places for wildlife outside legally protected land, such as Areas of Special Scientific Interest (ASSI). Local, non-statutory systems of identifying and conserving such sites have been developed in various parts of the UK during the last 20 years.  The names used locally for such systems may vary, but in essence they are the same.  The term ‘Wildlife Site’ has been widely adopted to describe sites identified in this way and it is now the most commonly used name for such sites in the British Isles.

Why are Wildlife Sites important?

Many habitats and species are becoming increasingly fragmented and isolated. A network of Wildlife Sites will act as corridors or stepping-stones, linking habitats together to aid migration and dispersal. Collectively, these sites should, with appropriate management, ensure the conservation of biological diversity on the Isle of Man for the benefit of future generations.

How are Wildlife Sites identified?

Sites for survey are initially targeted through the study of existing habitat survey data followed by field visits, with the permission of the landowner. Sites are selected by assessing their importance for wildlife in a Manx context, consideration being given to the habitat types, and the flora and fauna present.  To qualify as a Wildlife Site, an area must fulfill one of a number of criteria, specially formulated to suit the Isle of Man and its unique situation. Finally the sites are presented to the Wildlife Sites Selection Panel, for consideration as designation as a Wildlife Site.

The Manx Wildlife Sites handbook is available to download here

What happens if a Wildlife Site is identified on my land?

Having a Wildlife Site designated on your land will not give anyone the right of access onto it, other than on existing rights of way, nor will it impose any legal or statutory obligations upon you. The Wildlife Sites system aims to encourage and support landowners in the management of sites. They are recognition that the land is one of the best places for wildlife on the Isle of Man and something to be proud of. The main thing to remember is that the site is as it is because of the way it has been looked after in the past.

There are a number of advantages to having a Wildlife Site identified on your land:

• Those who take part in the anticipated Whole Farm Payment Scheme and those who are taking part in the pilot Manx Agri-environment Scheme are likely to be among the first who benefit as the information they hold on their land could be used in support of applications.
• Wildlife Site information will be useful to those considering entry into management agreements with DAFF. Agreements with set payment rates are currently available for orchid, lapwing and corncrake conservation.
• They will be able to avoid time consuming and expensive conflicts with the planning authority. The ability to tailor planning applications to take into account the needs of wildlife means that such applications are more likely to meet with approval.
• Help and advice on managing areas for wildlife will be available to those who would like it.

Protection of Wildlife Sites 

Within The Isle of Man Strategic Plan, Towards a Sustainable Island (November 2004), Environment Policy 6 states that development will not be permitted which would adversely affect Wildlife Sites. In exceptional circumstances where development is allowed then conditions will be imposed to minimise disturbance, conserve and manage its ecological interest as far as possible and, where damage is unavoidable, provide new or replacement habitats so that the loss to the total ecological resource is mitigated.

Further Information

If you would like further information about the Wildlife Sites System or if you have land you feel should qualify as a Wildlife Site then please contact:

Jodie Robertson