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Designated sites in the Cairngorms National Park
Designation Purpose
SAC Ð
Special Area of
Conservation
These areas, created under the EC Directive on the
Conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora
(the ÒHabitats DirectiveÓ), are of European importance.
SPA Ð
Special Protection
Area
These areas, created on the EC Directive on the Conservation
of wild birds (the ÒBirds DirectiveÓ) are of European
importance.
Collectively SAC and SPA sites are known as Natura sites.
SSSI Ð
Site of Special
Scientific Interest
Areas in Scotland which are special for their plants or animals
or habitat, their rocks or landforms or a combination of these
features.
GCR Ð
Geological
Conservation Review
These sites display sediments, rocks, fossils, and features of
the landscape that make a special contribution to our
understanding and appreciation of Earth science and the
geological history of Britain,
NNR Ð
National Nature
Reserves
All of these sites are important in terms of public
understanding and enjoyment, as well as being important
nationally for nature. They are also designated SSSIs.
Ramsar These sites, designated under the Convention on Wetlands of
International Importance are internationally important wetland
sites protecting wildfowl habitat. Scottish Government policy
states that proposals with potential to affect these sites are
considered under the same process as SAC and SPA sites.

TABLE ENDS

These designations often overlap. For example, Insh Marshes is SAC, SPA, SSSI and
NNR. European Protected Species are also present on the site. The possibility of 
effect on a designated site brings a statutory requirement on the planning authority 
to apply more stringent tests in determining applications. This requires a greater 
level of information from the developer. 

A guide is available from SNH (www.snh.org.uk/pubs/results.asp?Q=natura+sites&rpp=10) 
outlining the consideration of proposals which may affect SACs and SPAs. An interactive 
map is available on the SNH website (www.snh.org.uk/snhi/map.asp) which shows the location 
of all SSSIs, SACs, SPAs and RAMSAR sites. If an applicant believes that their proposal 
may affect a designated site then they should contact the planning authority as early as possible.