In England the body responsible for designating SSSIs is Natural England, which chooses a site because of its fauna, flora, geological or physiographical features. 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.
In England, the organization responsible for designating Special Sites of Scientific Interest (SSSI) is Natural England. They select sites based on their fauna, flora, geological features, or physiography.  Natural England took over this responsibility from English Nature in October 2006 when it was formed by combining English Nature, parts of the Countryside Agency, and the Rural Development Service.