This document provides guidance on the development and management of systems to identify sites of local importance for nature conservation in England. It deals with management of Local Site systems for biological and geological conservation which complement the series of internationally and nationally designated wildlife and geological sites.
LWS Proposal form for completion by proposer and submission to the Local Sites Partnership.
This is a completed Local Wildlife Site example form for completion by a proposer and submission to the Local Sites Partnership.
This Annual Monitoring Report gives an overview of monitoring of Local Wildlife Sites (LWSs) in North Merseyside for the survey period 1 April 2021 to 31 March 2022. The report includes methods used to survey each site, results and discussion on any trends observed.
These Guidelines for selection of Local Wildlife Sites have been implemented in the North
Merseyside districts of Liverpool, Knowsley, St. Helens and Sefton.
The conservation of North Merseyside’s wildlife heritage must address the needs of wildlife in the
wider environment. The identification and conservation of a wider network of important sites is a
major element for achieving biodiversity conservation in North Merseyside. A total of 161 Local
Wildlife Sites have been designated using guidelines drawn up to identify the most important
botanical sites in North Merseyside. These sites have been designated within the Unitary
Development Plan of each of the North Merseyside districts. The Council has prepared these
revised guidelines in partnership with the Lancashire Wildlife Trust and English Nature. These
guidelines for selection were agreed for use across North Merseyside by the Merseyside Local Sites
Partnership in September 2006.
Work to review the guidelines commenced in 2002. Some additional surveys have been
undertaken, notably on birds. Most work was directed towards the collation and assessment of
existing data on lesser known animal and lower plant groups. The preparation of ‘A Biodiversity
Audit for North West England’ has helped this process. Representatives of the Lancashire Wildlife
Trust and the Merseyside Environmental Advisory Service have driven forward the Local Wildlife
Sites review. Contributions have been forthcoming from various sources including the bird recorders
of North Merseyside, the Merseyside and West Lancashire Bat Group, National Museums and
Galleries on Merseyside based at Liverpool Museum and vice-county recorders for several groups
including higher plants, lower plants, and invertebrate groups. Drafting of the guidelines has been
the responsibility of the North Merseyside Local Authorities yet this work could not have been
undertaken without the input of many organisations and individuals. The level of support from the
recording community is greatly appreciated and hopes to continue the partnership approach to
protecting and conserving biodiversity in North Merseyside.
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