A
Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) is land or water designated under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981
which is of special interest by reason of flora, fauna, geological or
physiological features. SSSIs are the country's very best wildlife and geological sites.
SSSIs are afforded the highest level of protection to a site of natural
interest outside statutory nature reserves. Sites may be designated by
Natural England for their flora, fauna or geological features, and may be
of local or national importance.
For more information about Sites of Special Scientific Interest, visit the
Natural England web site.
The Gipsy Lane Pit
Leicester has one nationally important Site of
Special Scientific Interest - The "Gipsy Lane Pit" (0.55 hectares). The
site is located on Lewisher Road, and was formerly part of the Gipsy
Lane Brickworks - the site has not been worked since the 1980s. The condition of the SSSI was assessed as 'Favourable'
by Natural England in June 2010.
Planning policy
There is a local plan policy to protect the SSSI from development. Please view:
