Page 39 - The Land Trust Annual Review 2020

Environment and biodiversity Land Trust Annual Review 2020

“Natural England has approved the Land Trust
as an ‘appropriate body’ to acquire and manage

SANG in perpetuity and this approval isn’t given lightly.”

The Land Trust and SANG

A Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace (SANG) is Natural England has approved the Land Trust as an
a recreational site, created to attract residents of new ‘appropriate body’ to acquire and manage SANG in
developments, away from designated sites that are perpetuity and this approval isn’t given lightly. This title
protected for their valuable ecology and are sensitive to is granted because our extensive risk management and
recreational activities such as dog walking. safeguards give Natural England and local authorities
the confidence that we are a long-term management
The protected sites are Special Protection Areas (SPAs) body that will ensure that each SANG we take on will be
and Special Areas of Conservation (SACs). SPAs are delivered in perpetuity.
designated to protect wild birds and their habitats,
while SACs are designated to protect habitats and non- The Land Trust offers all services required for SANG
bird species. from concept and design, management plans, capital
works and in-perpetuity management and it is an area of
These sites are designated under the Conservation of significant potential growth for the Trust.
Wild Birds and the Conservation of Natural Habitats and
of Wild Fauna and Flora. SANGs were evolved to protect We currently manage the largest SANG in the country –
the Thames-Basin Heaths SPA around 10 years ago Wellesley Woodlands – and we are delivering significant
and now the concept is spreading to protect more sites economic and social value there, while protecting the
across the country. biodiversity and wildlife that call the Woodlands home.

38 39