4.28.1 There are many sites within the Borough which have known nature conservation interest (See appendix A) but which fall outside the statutory designations such as SSSI's or Local Nature Reserves and which are not recorded or designated by the Northumberland Wildlife Trust as Sites of Nature Conservation Importance. Such sites include Ancient Semi-Natural Woodland and Ancient Replanted Woodland as notified by English Nature. Country parks and other nature reserves managed by responsible organisations are also included as their management necessarily includes conservation measures which will tend to retain or enhance their conservation value. Other sites which fall outside all the above designations which are known to be of nature conservation value should also be similarly protected. For example all types of woodland are important as wildlife habitats.

4.28.2 Although many sites in the Borough have been identified as being of nature conservation value, there has not been a comprehensive survey in this respect to cover the whole of the Borough. This contrasts with neighbouring Authorities who have a much more complete record of the ecological and geological value of their environment providing comprehensive and accurate information identifying sites of importance.

4.28.3 The most satisfactory way to accumulate information is through detailed survey work so as to be able to assess site values and the status of the Borough's habitat resource upon which sound environmental policies for the long-term future may be based. The Council places considerable value on the development of such records and, while recognising the scale of such an undertaking, will investigate the introduction of a phased programme of survey work eventually to achieve full Borough coverage relating to sites of conservation value.