Sites of Special Scientific Interest and Importance

There are several areas in Torfaen classed as Sites of Special Scientific Interest and Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation.  

Like Local Nature Reserves these are protected sites. 

Sites of Special Scientific Interest 

Sites of Special Scientific Interest are important ecological sites that are legally protected.   

There are four Sites of Special Scientific Interest in Torfaen: 

• Llandegfedd Reservoir, which has substantial wintering populations of wildfowl and passage birds 
• The Blorenge, which has upland dwarf shrub heath plant communities 
• Henllys Bog, which is recognised for lowland fen 
• Ty-r-Hen-Forwyn upland meadow 

Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation 

Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation – also known as local wildlife sites – are protected in terms of planning decisions. There are more than 200 Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation in Torfaen.

The condition of sites is reviewed by a local group made up of representatives from the council, Gwent Wildlife Trust, Natural Resources Wales, Welsh Water and others. We are currently reviewing our SINC sites and updating maps to show their current extent and condition.