Get Involved: Propose a Local Wildlife Site

Local Wildlife Sites recognise places that are important for wildlife in your area.
Anyone can help identify and propose a site — you don’t need to be an expert.

🌱 What kind of sites can be proposed?

Sites may include woodlands, grasslands, wetlands, ponds, parks, brownfield land, river corridors or other places that support wildlife. Guidance on what qualifies is set out in the Local Wildlife Site selection guidelines.

How the process works

1. Identify a site

If you know a place that seems important for wildlife, check it against the Local Wildlife Site selection guidelines.

2. Submit a proposal

Complete the Local Wildlife Site Proposal Form and provide any information you have about the site, such as:

• Location
• Habitats and wildlife present
• Why you think the site is important

You don’t need to have full ecological surveys — existing knowledge and local records are welcomed.

3. The proposal is reviewed

Merseyside Environmental Advisory Service (MEAS) will review the information and may:

• Look at existing wildlife records
• Visit the site (if needed)
• Contact the landowner for access

4. Drafting a potential Local Wildlife Site

If the site meets the selection guidelines, MEAS will prepare a draft site description and map, working with available evidence and the landowner.

5. Partnership and landowner review

The draft site is reviewed by the North Merseyside Local Sites Partnership, and the landowner is formally consulted.

6. Local Plan designation

If approved, the site is shared with the Local Planning Authority so it can be included in the Local Plan.
As with all planning designations, there are opportunities for public comment as part of the Local Plan process.

Why get involved?

• Helps protect important wildlife sites
• Informs local planning decisions
• Supports nature recovery at a local level
• Recognises places valued by local communities