Site of Special Scientific Interest

A Site of Specific Scientific Interest ( SSSI ) in Northern Ireland Area of Special Scientific Interest ( ASSI ) is a right protected under the UK Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 area that is of particular interest for nature conservation.

SSSI are to form a series of areas that are characteristic of flora and fauna, geology and landscapes of the United Kingdom. Originally they called the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act of 1949 to life in the Wildlife and Countryside Act its shape was changed fundamentally.

Land owners and users need to contact a supervisor before they make changes to the land and its use. 2009 are the Natural England ( successor organization of English Nature ), Countryside Council for Wales, Scottish Natural Heritage and Northern Ireland Environment Agency. These organizations also determine which area are designated as SSSI, with local authorities and land owners have right of appeal. The largest SSSIs in the UK are The Wash protected 66,000 acres and the North York Moors with 44,000 hectares.