In the end our society will be defined not only by what we create, but what we refuse to destroy
Marine Conservation Zone
World Surf Reserve
SAC
SSSI
AONB (National Landscape)
Heritage Coast
UNESCO Biosphere
Braunton Marshes
We want to live in a world where these designations and accreditations are really recognised, and have the power they were intended to posess.
How many designations does it take for an area to be protected?
We love our area and feel so fortunate to be able to have such a diverse and unique environment to revel in.
The rich ecology benefits us all, residents and visitors alike, and we want to have a role in ensuring it is not indsutrialised
#STANDUPFORSAUNTON
MCZ
Stands for Marine Conservation Zone , and is a protected area in the sea, set up to conserve marine wildlife, habitats, and geology.
Legal Standing:
Strong legal protection under the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009. Activities that damage protected features (like dredging or certain fishing methods) can be restricted.
WSR - World Surfing Reserve
Is An honorary international title given to coastlines with exceptional surf breaks and a strong local surf culture.North Devon's WSR was set up in 2023.
Legal Standing:
No legal status in UK law. It’s a symbolic designation from the non-governmental group Save the Waves Coalition, though it can help raise awareness and support local conservation efforts.
Heritage Coast
Identifies stretche of coast in England and Wales and recognises them for their natural beauty and environmental value.
Legal Standing:
Not a statutory designation. Managed through voluntary agreements between local authorities and Natural England. Often overlaps with other, legally protected areas (like National Parks or AONBs).
Braunton Marsh
Is historic reclaimed marshland, created through an Act of Parliament, which is valued for its wildlife, traditional grazing, and cultural heritage.
Legal Standing:Parts are designated County Wildlife Sites (CWS) – locally recognised but non-statutory, with no legal protection.The Marsh liesbetween several legally protected areas, including SSSIs and near Braunton Burrows SAC.It lies in the buffer zone of the North Devon UNESCO Biosphere Reserve – internationally recognised, but with no statutory power in UK law.It contains irreplaceable habitat
UNESCO Biosphere Is an international designation recognizing areas where people and nature coexist sustainably—often combining conservation, learning, and community development.
Legal Standing:
No legal force in UK law. It’s a UNESCO designation, not a statutory one, but it can influence planning and attract funding for conservation and sustainable development project
DESIGNATION/ ACCREDITATION EXPLAINERS
What's an SAC?
SAC stands for Special Area of Conservation and is a protected area designated under European law to conserve habitats and wildlife that are rare or threatened across Europe.These sites are internationally important and are part of a network called Natura 2000, created to protect nature across the EU and retained in UK law after Brexit
What's it's legal weight?Very strong – any development or activity that could damage a SAC must go through strict environmental assessments and may be blocked or modified
What's an SSSI?
An SSSI is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and is a UK-based designation protecting areas that are especially important for their wildlife, plants, geology, or landforms.SSSIs are nationally important, and many SACs and other designations are also SSSIs
Is it's legal weight strong? Yes - owners must manage the land to protect its special features and must get permission before doing anything that could harm it
Tell me about National Landscape - formerly AONB(Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty)
These are areas recognised for their exceptional natural beauty, now called National Landscapes. They aim to protect beautiful countryside and promote enjoyment by the public.They are important for scenery, tourism, and quality of life, but they may also include wildlife habitats and cultural heritage
Whta's their legal weight? it's moderate – development is more restricted, but the rules are generally less strict than for SACs or SSSIs
Summary of Importance:
SAC: International importance – strongest legal protection
SSSI: National importance – strong legal protection
National Landscape: Scenic/landscape value – protected, but with more flexibility than the others
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