Nature sites and areas of countryside can be ‘designated’, which means they have special status as protected areas because of their natural and cultural importance.
Protection means that these places:
have clear boundaries
have people and laws to make sure that the nature and wildlife are not harmed or destroyed
can sometimes be used by people for recreation and study
Places are made into protected areas by:
organisations, such as Natural England
local councils and bylaws
national and international laws and organisations, such as the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
There are restrictions on activities and developments that might affect a designated or protected area, for example building new houses or roads. This includes areas next to as well as in those areas.