Countryside Stewardship Scheme (CSS)

A scheme run by the Government's Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) which makes payments to farmers and land managers to improve the natural beauty and diversity of the countryside and create opportunities for its enjoyment; improve, extend and create wildlife habitats; restore neglected features and conserve archaeological and historical features. 

For more information on the Countryside Stewardship Scheme go to the DEFRA website at www.defra.gov.uk/erdp/schemes/default.htm

Environmentally Sensitive Area (ESA)

A scheme run by the Government's Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) which makes payments to farmers and land managers to help safeguard designated areas of countryside where the landscape, wildlife and historic interest is of national importance.  Payments are made to encourage traditional land management and farming practices. 

For more information on the ESA go to the DEFRA website at www.defra.gov.uk/erdp/schemes/default.htm

European Union Birds Directive

A European Community Directive that pledges signatory states to protect populations and habitats of all migratory and vulnerable birds.

European Union Habitats Directive

A European Community Directive that seeks to encourage the maintenance of biodiversity by establishing a 'favourable conservation status' for specific natural habitat types and species considered to be of community interest.

National Nature Reserve (NNR)

Sections 16 to 29 of the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949 in England enabled the Nature Conservancy Council for England (NCCE), now English Nature, to establish nature reserves.  These provisions were strengthened by the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.  An NNR is an area which is among the best examples of a particular habitat. NNRs are of national importance. They are in many cases owned and managed by the statutory authority e.g. English Nature.  An NNR, unlike an SSSI, has to be managed appropriately to retain its special status.

For more information on NNRs go to English Nature's website at www.english-nature.org.uk/special/nnr/nnr_what.htm

Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)

Sites designated by English Nature under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.  They are the best examples of our natural heritage of wildlife habitats, geological features and landforms. 

For more information on SSSIs go to English Nature's website at www.english-nature.org.uk/special/sssi

Special Protection Area (SPA)

Sites of international importance for their populations of birds designated by the UK Government under the European Union Birds Directive. 

For more information on SPAs go to English Nature's website at www.english-nature.org.uk

Special Areas of Conservation (SAC)

Sites of international importance for their habitats and species (other than birds) designated by the UK Government under the European Union Habitats Directive and the UK Habitats Regulations 1994. 

For more information on SACs go to English Nature's website at www.english-nature.org.uk/uk-marine

Tree Preservation Order (TPO)

A legal order or designation placed upon a tree or group of trees that prevents its wilful damage, felling or any work upon it without legal authority.  The trees may be of particular wildlife, historic or landscape importance. 

For more information about TPOs go to www.planning-applications.co.uk/tpo.htm

Wildlife Enhancement Scheme (WES)

A scheme operated by English Nature with the aim of enhancing SSSI's.

Woodland Grant Scheme (WGS)

A scheme run by the Government's Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) which makes grants to create new woodlands and manage existing woodlands.  The Scheme also offers Challenge Funds in which you can bid for money to carry out work in existing woodlands in specified areas of the country.

For more information on the Woodland Grant Scheme go to www.defra.gov.uk/erdp/schemes/wgs/default.htm

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