This is a list of the Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) on the Isle of Wight, England. The Isle of Wight is an island and county three miles off the south coast of England in the English Channel. Its geology is complex, with a chalk downland ridge running east to west through its centre and important fossil beds from the Lower Cretaceous to the Lower Tertiary around the coast.[1] This geology gives rise to many distinct habitats, with strong maritime influences, including chalk grassland, neutral meadows, and broad-leaved woodland.[1] The Isle of Wight has a population of 140,000, making it one of the country's smaller counties in terms of population.[2]
In England, the body responsible for designating SSSIs is Natural England, which chooses a site because of its fauna, flora, geological or physiographical features.[3] Natural England took over the role of designating and managing SSSIs from English Nature in October 2006, when it was formed from the amalgamation of English Nature, parts of the Countryside Agency, and the Rural Development Service. As of 2008[update], there are 41 sites designated in this Area of Search; of these, 26 have been designated for their biological interest, 4 for their geological interest, and 11 for both.[4]
The data in the table is taken from citation sheets for each SSSI, available at their website.[5]
- ^ a b "Isle of Wight Natural Area". Natural England. Retrieved 16 January 2008.
- ^ "Population Statistics". National Statistics. Archived from the original on 2 March 2009. Retrieved 16 January 2008.
- ^ "Notification of SSSIs". Natural England. Archived from the original on 15 May 2012. Retrieved 1 August 2006.
- ^ "SSSIs on the Isle of Wight". Natural England. Retrieved 24 January 2008.
- ^ Natural England citation sheets for each SSSI (PDF files). Retrieved on 2006-07-07.