The places
the UK chooses
to protect.
Sites of Special Scientific Interest across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland
Over 7,000 SSSIs — the geology, habitats and species assemblages that make the UK's landscapes irreplaceable.
Heather moorland colours; waders post-breeding.
Today's sun arc — 54°N
🌒 Waxing Crescent — today's moon arc at 54°N
Explore the tools
Interactive Map
Browse all SSSI sites on a zoomable map. Click any site to read its full description, habitats and species.
Geological Timeline
See how many sites mention each geological period — from Archaean gneisses to Quaternary glaciation.
Nearest Sites to a Point
Click a map or enter coordinates to find the 10 closest SSSI sites, with distance and bearing.
Search by Word or Term
Search all site descriptions for any geological, ecological or species term.
National Parks
Explore SSSI sites within each of the UK's National Parks.
National Trails
Find protected sites along England's long-distance National Trails.
Scenic & Landscape Areas
Browse SSSI sites within Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and National Scenic Areas.
Wild Land Areas
Explore Scotland's remote wild land areas and the protected sites within them.
Plant Communities
Browse NVC plant communities, identify habitats and find associated species.
Migratory Birds
Filter SSSI sites by season or search by species to trace which protected sites matter for birds.
Migratory Fish
Explore SSSI sites linked to salmon, lamprey, eel, shad and other migratory fish.
Landscape Processes
Filter SSSI sites by geomorphological process — coastal, glacial, karst, fluvial, volcanic or peatland.