 National Planning Policy Framework 2024

Chapter 15: Conserving and enhancing the natural environment.

 London Plan 2021

Chapter 8: Green Infrastructure. Specifically, Policy G6 Biodiversity and access to nature.

 London Environment Strategy (LES) 2018

Appendix 5 provides guidance on the SINC selection, extracted from the previous GLA SINC advice note (2019).

Chapter 5 ‘Green Infrastructure’ proposal 5.2 1a addresses SINCs and London Plan policies relating to SINCs recognising biodiversity and access priorities.

Objective 5.1 and 5.2 provide two quantified objectives relating to the role of the SINC network in protecting priority habitats.

 Environment Act 2021

Part 1 Environmental governance, Chapter 1 Improving the natural environment.
Part 6 Nature and biodiversity (BNG & LNRS).

 London’s Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS)

Published in 2026, it is recommended that boroughs use the LNRS to align Local Nature Recovery Plans in accordance with individual Local Plan cycles.

 Natural Environment & Rural Communities (NERC) Act 2006

Part 3 Wildlife etc., Section 41 Biodiversity lists and action (England) & Section 40 Duty to conserve and enhance.

 Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981

Chapter 8: Informs the assessment of core criteria for SINC designation.

 The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017

Outlines the Regulations affording internationally recognised protection to rare habitats and species at the European level. Where such designated sites overlie SINCs, greater protection is afforded in the development planning system.

 National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949

Informs statutory instruments for Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) designations, and of National and Local Nature Reserves (NNRs and LNRs, respectively), which, when overlapping with SINCs, provide greater protection in the planning process.

 London’s Green Infrastructure Framework (LGIF)

A London-wide strategic evidence tool designed to support the planning, delivery and long-term management of green infrastructure. The LGIF consolidates key data into resources to help guide decisions on where and how green infrastructure can deliver the greatest social and environmental value.

Published in March 2026, the LGIF replaces the 2018 GI Focus Map and the 2012 All-London Green Grid.

 Local Authority SINC Review Timeline

 SINC Advice Note – the process for selecting SINCs

The London Wildlife Sites Board (LWSB) is an advisory body providing a range of expertise and experience. Their main role to provide advice on the review process and they should be consulted on SINC reviews and proposed changes. They can also advise on management planning and delivery, and ensure consistency and compliance with various policy frameworks.

 London Wildlife Sites Board

GiGL is the official custodian of information on London’s SINCs – including their citations and boundary information. GiGL works with all LPAs to maintain this information, whether they are partners or not, although some LPAs may choose to use their own datasets. Additionally, GiGL stewards a wealth of other datasets covering information on London’s natural environment, many of which can help with SINC management.

How to access data?

 Accessing GiGL Data | SINC Resource Hub

What data do GiGL hold?

 GiGL Data Holdings

 GiGL Data Guide

Recommended datasets for SINC reviews:

 Non-statutory SINCs

 Statutory designated sites – e.g. SSSIs and RAMSAR sites.

 Geodiversity sites

 Designated species

 Areas of Deficiency in Access to Nature

 Habitat Suitability Modelling

 Habitats

Other datasets

Note that the below are open government licence datasets and can therefore be shared via GiGL to save extra steps and time.

 Priority Habitat Inventory | Natural England

 Ancient Woodland Inventory | Natural England

 Flood Risk | Environment Agency

 Climate Risk Mapping | GLA

 London Tree Map | GLA

 Areas of Deficiency predictive modelling

Investigate how AoD and access could be improved for sites.

 Habitat Suitability Modelling

Identify suitable areas for the creation of priority habitats.

 Ecological Network Mapping

Identify the current ecological networks and find opportunities to improve habitat size, quality and connectivity.

 Woodland Opportunity Mapping

Find the highest scoring areas are those with the most potential for woodland creation.

 Species designations

A list of legal designations affording species protections, as well as other notable (non-legal) designations that are relevant to review criteria and attributed in GiGL’s species dataset.

 Species Lists – follow this link to access the below resources:

• Greater London and Middlesex Axiophyte List: A list of plant species which are indicators of habitats of interest for nature conservation.
• London’s LNRS Focus Species Longlist: Created as part of the steps to developing the capital’s Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS). The spreadsheet includes information on the primary habitat and practical measures deemed important for the recovery of each focus species.
• London Invasive Species: Invasive non-native species that are cause for concern and a potential threat to the value of London’s natural environment.
• London Priority Species: London’s priority species are those species we share our city with that are national priorities for conservation and those that are believed to be declining in London or beyond.

 London’s Biodiversity Action Plan

The archived London Priority Species and Habitat Action Plans created by the London Biodiversity Partnership (now dissolved) can also be a useful resource, though some of the information may be outdated.

Reduced public sector budgets present challenges in funding management, making it essential to explore alternative approaches and secure new funding streams. This could involve shifting management responsibilities to other organisations, such as local community groups, or integrating management goals with LPAs’ statutory duties to unlock co-funding opportunities.

 Funding | Parks for London

 Rewilding in London

 London Rewilding Taskforce

 Green space quality manual | Parks for London

 Urban greening and BNG design guide | London Wildlife Trust

 Tree and woodland strategy toolkit for LAs

 Woodland condition self-assessment toolkit | LWT

 Oak Processionary Moth: A toolkit for LAs | The Tree Council

Data feedback: 

If surveys are being conducted or habitat restoration is taking place as part of management efforts, it is important to share this information with GiGL. This ensures the data is incorporated into London-wide datasets, enhancing the vital data flow for London and ensuring the information can be shared to nearby initiatives and considered in planning. Follow GiGL’s data standard guidance to ensure generated data can be easily incorporated:

 GiGL Survey Data Standards Guidance

Species monitoring:

Recording with GiGL improves species data for local sites and offers a great way to engage communities. Site managers can embed monitoring in events, guided walks, youth nature clubs, or ranger-led surveys, using apps, spreadsheets or webforms to capture sightings on the spot. Discover the recording methods below and get in touch with a member of our Community Team to discuss how GiGL can support further.

 Submit 1-20 Wildlife Records

 Regularly Record – using GiGL’s recording spreadsheet

 Recording Apps

Consider survey seasonality when conducting species or habitat monitoring. Consult experts for advice or use survey calendars:

 LUC’s Ecology Survey Calendar

Local Sites in positive conservation management

Defra annually requests a report from Local Authorities on Local Sites in positive conservation management. This is not legally mandatory but is strongly encouraged as part of local and national biodiversity monitoring. Find out more here:

 Local Sites in positive conservation management in England

 SINC Resource Hub | Community Resources

 Resources for Volunteers & Community Groups | Parks for London

 Find a Friends of Group

 Spaces Wild | London Wildlife Trust