Thames Basin Heaths: Frequently Asked Questions

What is it?

The Thames Basin Heath SPA is home to three rare species of ground nesting birds - the Dartford Warbler, Skylark and Woodlark. In order to protect these, the Government has designated the 'Thames Basin Heaths' as a special protection area (SPA) under the EC Birds Directive and placed mitigation zones around the heaths to lessen the impact of human activity on them.

Where is it?

A large percentage of the SPA falls within the borough of Surrey Heath, although 10 other districts within west Surrey, north-east Hampshire and south Berkshire are also affected by the designation. This includes an area within the southern part of the Wokingham Borough. A map showing this area is attached to the right hand-side of this page, whilst the boundaries of the SPA can also be found on our interactive mapping system.

How does it affect me?

If you are intending to submit a planning application in the south of the Wokingham Borough, you will need to check to see if your property is within one of the Thames Basin Heaths mitigation zones (drawn at a 5km and 7km distance from the SPA).

If your property is within one of these zones, there is a chance that you might be asked to make a contribution towards providing towards suitable alternative natural greenspace (SANG). For more information see the 'submitting a planning application in a Special Protection Area mitigation zone' page.

What is Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace (SANG)?

Suitable alternative natural greenspaces (SANGs) are areas of exisiting open space that have been identified for enhancement so that they can be made more accessible and attractive to visitors. The hope is that by providing alternative areas for the general public to use for outdoor recreation, it will help lessen the impact on the Thames Basin Heaths as new households can use the SANG instead of the protected heathland.  

How do I find out if my property or land is within a Thames Basin Heaths mitigation zone?

A map is attached on the right hand-side of this page which shows where the 5km and 7km Thames Basin Heaths SPA Mitigation zones lie in the Wokingham Borough. A more detailed search on individual properties can be undertaken using the Council's interactive mapping system.