Types of protected areas of land and sea

Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs)

SSSIs are the most important sites for Wales’ natural heritage. They are highly protected to safeguard the range, quality and variety of habitats, species and geological features in all parts of Wales. They are the cornerstones of conservation work, protecting the core of our natural heritage.

There are more than 1,000 SSSIs in Wales, covering about 12% of the country’s surface area.

Learn more about responsibilities of SSSI owners and occupiers.

Sites protected by European and international law

These include Special Areas of Conservation, Special Protected Areas, and Ramsar sites.

Marine Protected Areas

Marine Protected Areas are areas of sea, seabed or shore protected under other laws such as Special Areas of Conservation, Special Protection Areas, Marine Conservation Zones and Ramsar Sites.

National Nature Reserves

These are the finest examples of our wildlife habitats and geological feature.

National Parks

National Parks are large areas designated by law to protect their special landscape qualities and promote outdoor recreation. National Parks have their own authorities which control planning.

Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB)

Protected by law because of their special landscape qualities, wildlife, geology and geography, AONB have more protection than other areas under the planning process. In terms of landscape and scenery, they are equal to National Parks.

Find out more about AONBs on the DataMapWales website.

Heritage Coasts

Stretches of outstanding, unspoilt coastline, usually cared for by local authorities which account for nearly half of Wales’ coastline.

Find out more about heritage coasts on the DataMapWales website.

Find protected areas of land and seas

To check if land is designated a SSSI use DataMapWales or DEFRA's magic map system.

To see documents for a SSSI, such as its reason for designation and location, use the designated sites search.

How we manage protected sites

We have a legal duty to look after the Welsh landscape by:

Advising Welsh Government on which areas should be designated and protected
Awarding partnership funding to projects that will improve the landscape and bring environmental benefits for people, the economy and wildlife
Advising planners on developments that may affect the landscape and wildlife of protected sites

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