Conflicting priorities in site management in England

There are two main designations of ‘protected’ areas in the UK-nature reserves, of various kinds, and special nature conservation areas, known as Sites of Special Scientific Interest. General approaches to choices of priorities and the resolution of conflict in the management of these areas are described and difficulties identified. Similar problems arise when considering the wider role of ‘protected’ areas in national nature conservation policies, e.g. biodiversity targets and European Habitats and Species Directive objectives. Because choices and priorities stem from underlying values, the public must be involved in the identification of objectives for both ‘protected’ areas and the rest of the land surface. The Natural Areas programme being developed by English Nature provides a mechanism whereby people may be involved in characterising the wildlife of ‘their’ area and in identifying targets for its maintenance and enhancement. The use of land and the management practices associated with it are the major factors influencing the nature conservation value of ‘protected’ areas and their wider context.