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, Natural England is responsible for designating and managing Special Sites of Scientific Interest (SSSI). They select sites based on their fauna, flora, geological features, or physiography.  Natural England took over this role from English Nature in October 2006 when it was formed by merging English Nature, parts of the Countryside Agency, and the Rural Development Service.