Designated nature conservation on the tidal Thames

There are several designated nature conservation sites within the tidal Thames, in the aquatic and terrestrial environment. Statutory designated sites are protected by legislation, while non-statutory designated sites are protected through national and local policy.

Species of Importance of the Ramsar Sites on the Tidal Thames

There are three Ramsar sites on the tidal Thames; Thames Estuary & Marshes, Benfleet & Southend Marshes and Foulness (Mid-Essex Coast Phase 5). More information on the Ramsar sites on the tidal Thames can be found at https://rsis.ramsar.org/

Thames Estuary & Marshes

The site supports one endangered plant species and at least 14 nationally scarce plants of wetland habitats. The site also supports more than 20 British Red Data Book invertebrates.

Assemblages of international importance (species with peak counts in winter): 45,118 waterfowl (5-year peak mean 1998/1999-2002/2003).

Benfleet & Southend Marshes

Assemblages of international importance (species with peak counts in winter): 32,867 waterfowl (5-year peak mean 1998/1999-2002/2003).

Foulness (Mid-Essex Coast Phase 5)

Extent and diversity of saltmarsh habitat.

The site supports several nationally rare and nationally scarce plant species and British Red Date Book Invertebrates.

Assemblages of international importance (species with peak counts in winter): 82,148 waterfowl (5-year peak mean 1998/1998-2002/2003)

Species Included in the Citations of the SPAs of the Tidal Thames

There are for SPAs on the tidal Thames; the Outer Thames Estuary, the Thames Estuary & Marshes, Benfleet & Southend Marshes and Foulness (Mid-Essex Coast Phase 5). More information on SPAs can be found at https://designatedsites.naturalengland.org.uk/

Habitats Included in the Citations of the SACs of the Tidal Thames

There are two SACs on the tidal Thames; the Essex Estuaries and Margate & Long Sands. More information on SPAs can be found at https://designatedsites.naturalengland.org.uk/

Many of the designated sites of the tidal Thames overlap one another, so may be protected by more than one legislative instrument and with more than one set of qualifying features. The table below shows where these overlaps occur.

SSSIs of the Tidal Thames

Marine Conservation Zones

Marine Conservation Zones (MCZs) protect a range of nationally important habitats and species and are designated under the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009.  There is one MCZ on the tidal Thames. Swanscombe MCZ

The Swanscombe MCZ is designated because of the presence of the tentacled lagoon worm (Alkmaria romijni) which is scarce in the UK.  This species lives in tubes in the sediments of the intertidal and subtidal areas.  The intertidal habitats within the boundary of the Swanscombe MCZ also provide feeding grounds for wading and migratory birds.  The general management approach for this MCZ is to maintain the intertidal mud and populations of tentacled lagoon worm (A. romijni) in a favourable condition.

National Nature Reserves

National Nature Reserves (NNRs) were established to protect some of the UK’s most important habitats, species and geology, and to provide areas for in situ research to be undertaken.  There is one NNR on the tidal Thames. The Leigh NNR is entirely within the footprint of the Benfleet and Southend Marshes SPA, Ramsar and SSSI, and contains intertidal habitats, such as saltmarsh.

Local Nature Reserves

Local Nature Reserves (LNRs) are designated by local authorities and are selected for their locally important features, for example, wildlife, geology, education or amenity.  LNRs are managed by local authorities through ownership or a lease or agreement with the owner. They can also choose to manage the site through collaboration with community groups, recognised conservation bodies, rangers or local schools.

There are three LNRs within the tidal Thames; Southend-on-Sea Foreshore (Southend on Sea Borough Council), Chiswick Eyot (London Borough of Hounslow) and Isleworth Ait (London Borough of Hounslow).

Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation

Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINCs) are designated by a panel of local ecological professionals. The designation is non-statutory, but they are afforded a level of protection through local plans. There are three levels of SINC:

• Sites of Metropolitan Importance: sites of London-wide importance
• Sites of Borough Importance: sites of importance within a specific Borough
• Sites of Local Importance: for any remaining local areas that are not designated under the higher tiers

Local Wildlife Sites

Local Wildlife Sites (LWS) are sites selected for their local nature conservation value which have been identified and selected locally using scientifically determined criteria and ecological surveys.  The designation of LWS creates corridors for wildlife, often containing important, distinctive and threatened habitats and species.

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