Sites of Nature Conservation Interest (SNCI) are designations used by local authorities in the United Kingdom for sites of substantive local nature conservation and geological value. DEFRA has recommended the generic term ‘local site’, which is divided into ‘local wildlife site’ and ‘local geological site’.
There are approximately 35,000 local sites, making a vital contribution to maintaining local natural character and distinctiveness. Local sites do not have statutory protection (unless they are also SSSIs or LNRs), but local authorities are expected to take account of the need to protect them in deciding their planning and development policies.
Visit the Sussex Local Wildlife Site Initiative website page for more information.
DABCHICK COTTAGE MEADOWS & WOODLAND SNCI
On the southern edge of the forest alongside the Willingford Stream is an area described in a 1995 report by East Sussex Sites of Nature Conservation and Importance Project as ‘a superb area of carr’.