Check if your works on a SSSI are covered by a regulatory statement

If you are an owner or occupier of a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), you normally require SSSI consent from us before undertaking activities which are likely to damage the site’s special interest. 

The regulatory statements do not change your legal requirement to have a valid SSSI consent, however, NRW will not normally take enforcement action if you do not comply with the need for SSSI consent if you meet the requirements noted in the appropriate regulatory statement for your circumstance.

We have issued these regulatory statements due to the conclusion of the Glastir scheme and to cover the transitional phase of the introduction of the Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS), to reduce the regulatory burden on landowners and to ensure land continues to be managed appropriately.

Regulatory statements for 2026

For 2026, we have published two regulatory statements which may apply to your situation if you were previously in a Glastir Advanced contract or Glastir Commons contract. They are both valid until 1 January 2027.

NRW can withdraw or amend either of these regulatory statements before the review date if we consider it necessary. This includes where the activities that these regulatory statements relate to have not changed.

Read the content of each regulatory statement carefully to determine whether your works would fall within the scope of one of these regulatory statements, and to make sure that you can comply with the terms and conditions. If not you will need to apply for a SSSI consent as normal. 

If you joined the Habitat Wales Scheme in 2024 and 2025 and have joined the Sustainable Farming Scheme for 2026

If you had a Glastir Advanced contract in 2023  and joined the Habitats Wales Scheme in 2024 and 2025 - and have entered the Sustainable Farming Scheme for 2026 - check whether your works are covered by SSSI management from Glastir to the Habitat Wales Scheme in 2024 and 2025 to the Sustainable Farming Scheme 2026.

If you managed land under a Glastir Commons contract and have joined the Habitat Wales Scheme (Commons) for 2026

If you managed land under a Glastir Commons contract and have joined the habitat Wales Scheme (Commons) for 2026, check whether your woks are covered by: Regulatory statement: SSSI Management from Glastir Commons to the Habitat Wales Scheme 2024 to the Habitat Wales Scheme 2025 to the Habitat Wales Scheme (Commons) 2026