Local wildlife and geological sites

Local Sites are Doncaster's locally and regionally important wildlife and geological sites. They are designated to recognise, and help conserve, their special wildlife and/or geological features, and their contribution to wider ecological networks and ‘green and blue infrastructure’.

Local Sites can help us access nature for health and education, preserve local landscape character, and provide nature-based solutions, such as flood management and urban cooling. Please note, local sites are not necessarily publicly accessible - if in any doubt get the landowner’s permission before entering.

Local Sites are assessed using published guidelines and criteria and are designated through Doncaster’s Local Plan. Local Sites, and their conservation interests, are a ‘material consideration’ when deciding planning applications. Local Site management should aim to conserve the identified wildlife or geological interests; but their designation does not otherwise restrict day-to-day use and management.

Doncaster's Local Sites Partnership oversees on-going site resurvey and assessment to ensure the Council has the most up-to date picture of the Sites. The Partnership also provides land management conservation advice and support to landowners.

Local Sites, along with other wildlife conservation sites and habitats, are shown on the Council’s Biodiversity Map. Individual Local Site citations, which describe their habitats and features, along with full species lists, are available on request from Doncaster’s Local Records Centre.