Hartlepool's Ecology

Local Wildlife Sites were formerly known as Sites of Nature Conservation Interest (SNCI), and Local Geological Sites were formerly known as Regionally Important Geological or Geomorphological Sites (RIGS).

A number of these sites have been identified in Hartlepool.  They are areas of high importance for their wildlife or geological interest on a local scale and have been assessed against The Tees Valley Biodiversity Partnership's guidelines for the selection of Local Wildlife Sites in the Tees Valley.

If other important wildlife or geological sites are identified in the Borough, these may also be designated.

These sites are not legally protected, but the Borough Council can seek to enter into voluntary management agreements with the owner so that they are managed sympathetically for conservation.

It must be noted however that designation as a Local Wildlife Site or Local Geological Site does not confer any right of access to any person, nor does it place any obligation on the landowner to manage their land in a certain way.

A map showing Hartlepool's Local Wildlife and Local Geological Sites and an accompanying description list is available to download.

Further general information about Local Wildlife Sites and Local Geological Sites is available from the Defra website.