Guidance

Local Sites and nature conservation

Find out about Local Wildlife Sites and Local Geological Sites, and how they are selected and protected.

• From: Natural England
• Published: 10 August 2026

Applies to England

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Local Sites and nature conservation

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Local Sites are non-statutory areas of significant nature conservation value. They are not legally protected, but rely on local policy and decision making.

They are identified and selected at a local level. They make an important contribution to ecological networks and nature’s recovery.

 There are 2 types of Local Sites:

• Local Wildlife Sites (LWS), identified for their significant biodiversity value
• Local Geological Sites (LGS), identified for their significant geological value

Find out about the role of Local Sites and how they relate to government policy.

Published 10 August 2026