Natural England moves protected sites casework to new online portal

If you manage designated land, take note: Natural England (NE) has moved its application and enquiry process for protected sites to a new online digital service via Forms.

The new portal replaces the previous mix of direct email submissions and manual application routes for most requests involving Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs). It’s designed to standardise applications and streamline processing times and is now the primary route for statutory land management requests.

What's changed

You’ll now need to use the Forms system as the main route for submitting:

  • SSSI consents: new consent applications for Operations Requiring Natural England’s Consent (ORNEC).

  • Agri-environment consents: permissions linked to Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) or Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier (CSHT) agreements where SSSI consent is necessary.

  • Notices of proposal: all new formal notices must now go through the portal.

Why the change

Natural England states the structured online forms ensure all necessary location, timing and operational details are gathered upfront. Reducing back-and-forth administration is intended to speed up determination times for shoot managers and landowners seeking permissions.

What you need to do

If you manage land within or adjacent to an SSSI, update your bookmarks and submit future requests using the new portal.

For further guidance on shoot management on protected sites, contact BASC’s Conservation & Land Management team at consenting@basc.org.uk.

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