The National, European and International importance of the East Riding of Yorkshire Coast and Estuary has long been recognised through statutory protection. The Humber estuary alone presently has a total of 9 Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs). In 1994 parts of the estuary were also designated as Phase 1 of the Humber Flats, Marshes, and Coast Special Protection Area (SPA) and as a Ramsar site. Of particular ornithological importance are the Special Protection Areas at Hornsea Mere and the coastline from Flamborough Head to Bempton Cliffs.

Information regarding the general meaning of these designations can be obtained from specific websites via the following links:

Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)
Special Protection Area (SPA)
Special Areas of Conservation (SAC)
Local Nature Reserve (LNR)
National Nature Reserve (NNR)
RAMSAR
Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINC)
Heritage Coast

Details of site designations in the East Riding:
Site Designations in the East Riding Coast and Estuary

Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)

Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) in England, Wales and Scotland are designated under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. These are areas of land that have been identified by the appropriate nature conservation body as being of the highest degree of conservation value. The legal framework for SSSIs has been strengthened several times since their creation under the National Parks Act 1949, with the latest, radical changes being made by the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 which replaced section 28 of the 1981 Act in England and Wales. SSSIs are representative samples of habitats and are established to maintain the present diversity of wild animals and plants. They are regarded as the foundation blocks of UK conservation. It is government policy that all Biosphere Reserves, Biogenetic Reserves, Special Protection Areas, Ramsar sites, Areas of Special Protection, (Candidate) Special Areas of Conservation and National Nature Reserves have first to be notified as SSSIs and the latter therefore play an integral role in UK nature conservation management. This has proved problematic for marine conservation as the SSSI is, essentially, designed to protect terrestrial features in a context of land ownership.

SSSI - overview

This English Nature website gives a good overview of Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). Link to SSSIs.

SSSI designation

Online English Nature leaflet regarding Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). Link to leaflet.

Guidelines for selection of biological SSSIs

Joint Nature Conservation Committee website - Guidelines for selection of biological SSSIs, rationale and operational approach and criteria. Provides detailed guidelines for habitats and species groups. Link to JNCC.

Special Protection Areas (SPAs)

The EC Directive on the Conservation of Wild Birds (the Birds Directive, 79/409/EEC) aims to protect all wild birds, their eggs, nests and habitats within the European Community. Additionally, it provides for the protection, management and control of all species of naturally occurring wild birds that are considered rare or vulnerable within the European Community as listed in Annex 1 of the Directive. The Birds Directive is enacted in the UK through the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and the Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c) Regulations 1994. Member States are to classify the most suitable territories (both at land and sea) as Special Protection Areas (SPAs) for the conservation of these species. The SPA designation has been implemented through the existing SSSI network with the aim to supplement SSSIs, not replace them. All regulations concerning potentially damaging operations and nature conservation orders applicable to SSSI are also applicable to SPAs.

UK SPA Network

JNCC website - PDF documentation on the UK SPA Network. The UK SPA network: its scope and content is a JNCC publication that presents a comprehensive review of the UK's Special Protection Areas; sites classified in accordance with the EC Birds Directive to protect birds and their habitats. It is also known as the UK SPA review.

Link to SPA review.

Wild Birds Directive & SPA

A pdf file linked to the English Nature website describing the Wild Birds Directive and Special Protection Areas (SPAs). This also includes a list of all the SPAs in the UK. Link to Wild Birds Directive.

Special Areas of Conservation (SAC)

The EC Directive on the Conservation of Natural Habitats and of Wild Fauna and Flora (the Habitats Directive, 92/43/EEC) applies to the European territory of Member States. Marine Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) can be both intertidal and subtidal areas, and also land adjacent to the shore where it is used by marine species. Habitats and species of importance are listed respectively in Annex I and II of the Habitats Directive, with few listed as having priority status. The purpose of designating and conserving SACs is to maintain or restore the habitats listed on Annex I and the species listed on Annex II of the Directive to Favourable Conservation Status. Favourable Conservation Status is defined in the Directive in the context of habitats as the establishment of conditions which will ensure that the extent and range of the habitat, and the populations of the constituent species of that habitat, will be maintained or increased over time.

This Directive has been implemented in the UK though 'The Conservation (Natural Habitats &c) Regulations 1994' which came into force on 30th October 1994. Under the provisions of the Directive the UK Government has an obligation to recommend selected areas as Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) for the protection of habitats and species.

The table below lists animal & plant species (marine and coastal) of community interest whose conservation requires the designation of special areas of conservation (SACs)

SAC distribution map

JNCC website briefly describing a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and includes a distribution map of SACs in Britain and Ireland. Link to distribution map.

UK Marine SACs Project

This website provides access to the knowledge generated through the UK Marine SACs Project. Link to UK Marine SAC project.

Local Nature Reserves (LNRs)

Local Nature Reserves (LNRs) may be established on land (including land covered by water) and intertidal areas, down to the low water mark. LNRs can be designated under the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949. Under these measures, LNRs can be established by local authorities where valuable habitat is not considered to be of national importance, but is significant on a local scale for recreation and educational reasons. LNRs are places which protect wildlife that are of special interest locally, and provide areas where nature can be enjoyed. There are currently 11 LNRs in the East Riding. These are:

South Landing, Flamborough
Flamborough Outer Headland
Danes Dyke, Flamborough
Humber Bridge Country Park, Hessle
Sugar Mill Ponds, Rawcliffe
Howden Marsh, Howden
Eastrington Ponds, Eastrington
Hudson's Way, Market Weighton
Southorpe Bridge, Hornsea
Sigglesthorne Station, Great Hatfield
Millington Wood

Overview of LNRs

This English Nature website gives a good overview of Local Nature Reserves. Link to LNRs.

Management of LNRs in the East Riding

Information regarding local nature conservation sites. Link to LNR management.

National Nature Reserves (NNRs)

National Nature Reserves (NNRs) are established under sections 15 to 29 of the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949, with the provisions strengthened under the Wildlife and Countryside Act, 1981. The legislative provisions for the designation, protection and management of NNRs in England and Wales have since been amended by Environmental Protection Act 1990. NNRs are managed to maintain their special wildlife and natural features.

Overview of National Nature Reserves

This English Nature website gives a good overview of National Nature Reserves. Link to NNRs.

RAMSAR

The Convention on Wetlands, signed in Ramsar, Iran, in 1971, is an intergovernmental treaty which provides the framework for national action and international co-operation for the conservation and wise use of wetlands and their resources. The Convention entered into force on the 21 December 1975. Wetlands include areas with: 'water that is static or flowing, fresh, brackish or salt, including areas of marine water the depth of which at low tide does not exceed six metres'. Each Contracting Party should designate suitable wetlands within its territory for inclusion in the List of Wetlands of International Importance maintained by the Convention by Wetlands International as Ramsar sites with clearly defined boundaries. Each Contracting Party must formulate and implement their planning regime so as to promote the conservation of Ramsar sites. The Ramsar Convention is implemented in the UK through the existing planning and SSSI system, with a large proportion of Ramsar sites overlapping with SPAs or SACs. The Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 also provides for the existence of Ramsar sites to be notified to the nature conservation bodies and local authorities.

Ramsar - Background Information

The official Ramsar website giving full details. Link to background information.

JNCC - Ramsar Information

The Convention on Wetlands of International Importance especially as Waterfowl Habitat. Link to Humber Ramsar designations.

Humber Flats and Marshes Ramsar designation

This pdf from the JNCC website gives the details of the Humber, Flats, Marshes and Coast (phase 1) Ramsar site. Link to Humber Ramsar designations.

Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINC)

Sites that have significant nature conservation value in the regional or local context are known as Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINCs). The identification of locally important wildlife sites is a valuable tool in the land-use planning process. A set of criteria is currently being developed for the East Riding.

SINC designation in the East Riding

Information about SINCs in the East Riding of Yorkshire. Link to SINCs.

Heritage Coast

Heritage coasts in a non-statutory designation within the UK. Coastlines which are deemed to be 'special' are managed so that their natural beauty is conserved and, where appropriate, the accessibility for visitors is improved. Flamborough Headland and Spurn Point Heritage Coast make up two of 45 stretches of Heritage Coast around England and Wales. Flamborough has spectacular chalk cliffs topped with rolling countryside, whilst Spurn is a long sand and shingle peninsula.

Heritage Coast - Background Information

Information regarding areas of scenic English coastline which have been designated as Heritage Coast sites. Link to Countryside Agency site.

Heritage Coasts within the East Riding

Information about the two stretches of Heritage Coast within the East Riding. Link to Heritage Coast information.

Site Designations in the East Riding Coast and Estuary

Conservation designations in the local area - The following webpage provides a link to a map showing conservation designation in Yorkshire and the Humber area. Link to designation map.

Site designations in Yorkshire and the Humber area.

Section 3 (page 27) of the DTI (2002) Conservation Sites in the SEA 3 Area report details the sites of international, national and local importance within the Yorkshire and Humber area. Link to report.

Natural Areas in Holderness

This webpage introduces the Natural Areas in the Holderness area and provides links to descriptions of key nature conservation features of national and local significance. Link to Holderness Natural Areas.

Natural Areas within the Humber estuary

This webpage introduces the Natural Areas in the Humber Estuary and provides links to descriptions of key nature conservation features of national and local significance. Link to Humber Natural Area.

Holderness Local Area Plan - Conservation designations

The Nature Conservation and Enhancement section of the Holderness local area plan. This includes explanations of sites of international, national, regional and local importance and briefs plans for species and habitat protection. Link to Holderness plan.

Management of designated sites in the East Riding

The Council's Countryside Officers are working to improve access to the sites and encourage greater community participation in the development and management of them. Link to East Riding sustainability page.

Nature Conservation Policy in the East Riding

Information regarding nature conservation policy. Link to policy.