Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)

Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) are designated under the Wildlife & Countryside Act (1981).  They have statutory protection and the Local Authority has a duty to take reasonable steps to further their conservation and enhancement.

All SSSIs are of national importance but some may also be of international importance and be further designated as Special Protection Areas, Ramsar sites or Special Areas of Conservation.

The following SSSIs are wholly or partly within Hartlepool:

• Hart Bog
• Teesmouth and Cleveland Coast
• Seaton Dunes and Common
• Durham Coast