Regulatory Decision: SSSI management where land did not enter the Habitat Wales Scheme 2024 but has entered the 2025 Scheme
This Regulatory Decision applies to any owner or occupier of land within a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), not previously managed under a land management agreement or management scheme but now entered the Habitat Wales Scheme 2025, from the 1 January 2025.
This Regulatory Decision is valid until 1 January 2026 by which time it will be reviewed. You should check back at that time to ensure the Regulatory Decision is still valid.
This Regulatory Decision applies if all of the following apply:
- You are an owner or occupier of land within a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)
- The land was not entered into the Habitat Wales Scheme 2024
- The land has been entered into the Habitat Wales Scheme 2025
NRW can withdraw or amend this Regulatory Decision before the review date if we consider it necessary. This includes where the activities that this Regulatory Decision relates to have not changed.
Regulatory Decision
The Habitat Wales Scheme 2025 requires you to manage your habitat land within SSSI in accordance with the Universal Code for all Habitats and the Habitat Management Actions relevant to your SSSI(s). Such management may ordinarily require an SSSI consent from NRW.
This regulatory decision means that, without having to obtain written consent from us, you will be able to undertake the management required to be in compliance with the Habitat Wales Scheme 2025.
Conditions you must comply with
- Management of the SSSI land will be undertaken strictly in accordance with the Habitat Wales Scheme 2025 requirements, including the Universal Code for all Habitats and the Habitat Management Actions relevant to your SSSI(s).
- Before undertaking any management which falls outside the Habitat Wales Scheme 2025 requirements, you must notify us and obtain a consent under Section 28E of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.
Enforcement
This Regulatory Decision does not change your legal requirement to have a valid SSSI consent to undertake operations listed as an Operation Likely to Damage the Special Interest within the relevant SSSI (s) and which form part of the Habitat Wales Scheme 2025 Guidance.
However, NRW will not normally take enforcement action if you do not comply with the need for SSSI consent if you meet the requirements in this Regulatory Decision.
In addition, your activity must not cause (or be likely to cause) pollution of the environment or harm to human health, and must not
- cause a risk to water, air, soil, plants, or animals
- cause a nuisance through noise or odours
- adversely affect the countryside or places of special interest
Contact
Water Quality and Biodiversity Regulatory Approaches Team WQBRA@cyfoethnaturiolcymru.gov.uk