Some sites of nature conservation value are afforded statutory protection through legislation.  Others are valued locally because they contribute to the landscape, historical, geological and/or ecological importance of the area may receive little or no statutory protection.


Sites of International Importance 
The most important sites for wildlife are those identified through international
conventions and European Directives.  These have statutory protection and may have more than one nature conservation designation.  Examples include the Ouse and Nene Washes, Wicken Fen and Devil's Dyke. 


Sites of national importance
Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) are a representative suite of sites with statutory protection of national importance for their nature conservation, geological or geomorphological interest.  Some may also be designated as sites of international importance.  
There are currently 101 SSSIs in Cambridgeshire.


Sites of local importance
The network of sites with local biodiversity interest contribute greatly to the quality of life and the well-being of local communities.

Local Nature Reserves (LNRs) are established by Local Authorities under the provisions of the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949 on land normally owned by a Local Authority.  LNRs are places for people and wildlife that have features of special interest. 
There are currently 23 LNRs in Cambridgeshire. 
 
County Wildlife Sites (CWS) are sites that have substantive wildlife value in a County context. These non-statutory sites have some protection afforded to them through development plan policies.  Sympathetic management by landowners and managers helps to ensure their wildlife interest is retained.
There are over 450 CWSs in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.

Protected Road Verges (PRVs) are stretches of road verge that have been selected for protection and special management because of their wildlife interest.  Many contain the last remnants of important habitats such as neutral or chalk grassland and provide a refuge to some scarce and rare species. 
There are 75 PRVs in Cambridgeshire, some of which are part of SSSIs or identified as CWS.