| Level of importance | Site designation | Designated by | Relevant legislation and policy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sites of international importance | Special Area of Conservation (SAC) | European Commission | Habitats Directive 1992 Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010 The National Planning Policy Framework 2012 (NPPF) Circular 06/2005 Part I |
| Sites of national importance | Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) | Natural England | Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 The National Planning Policy Framework 2012 (NPPF) Circular 06/2005 Part II |
| National Nature Reserve (NNR) | Natural England | National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949 | |
| Sites of regional/county/local importance | Local Nature Reserve (LNR) | Herefordshire Council or Parish Councils with ratification by Natural England | National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949 The National Planning Policy Framework 2012 (NPPF) |
| Local Wildlife Sites (LWS) (formerly know as Special Wildlife Site (SWS) and Site of Importance to Nature Conservation (SINC)) | Herefordshire Council in consultation with Herefordshire Wildlife Trust | The National Planning Policy Framework 2012 (NPPF) | |
| Local Geological Site (LGS) (formerly known as Regionally Important Geological / Geomorphological Site (RIGS)) | Herefordshire Council in consultation with Herefordshire and Worcestershire Earth Heritage Trust | The National Planning Policy Framework 2012 (NPPF) | |
| Section 39 Agreement sites | Herefordshire Council | Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 Section 39 |
