Land owners and managers of one of North Ayrshire's longest standing nature sites are to be consulted over changes following a review of its wildlife. Portencross Coast Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), was first recognised for its nature conservation interest in the 1940s. Following changes in land use and the legislation, an evaluation of the site has been carried out by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH).

As a result the site has been split into two separate sites of special scientific interest - Southannan Sands SSSI for its extensive mudflats, and Portencross Woods SSSI for coastal woodland, both nationally important habitats. The local community councils and other organisations with an interest in the site will also be informed about the changes.

Ross Johnston, the SNH area manager explained: "The land within the original SSSI has undergone a significant amount of industrial reclamation and development since 1971. This has included the construction of the nuclear power stations, land reclamation for the iron ore terminal and the creation of the oil rig construction yard. In the light of these changes we wanted to review the site under the current nature conservation legislation.

"The area covered by the two new sites is smaller than the previous site but they are robust and focus on the key areas of wildlife interest. The woodland is the largest and highest quality example of coastal upland mixed-ash woodland in Ayrshire and the mudflats are by far the biggest and best example of this type of habitat within the Firth of Clyde, with large areas of dwarf eelgrass, a plant that is scarce nationally.

He concluded: "We look forward to hearing local views on these sites, particularly from those who own and manage the land. They will have a crucial role to play in making sure that the new SSSIs are looked after for both people and nature." For more information, please go to www.ros.gov.uk/SSSI and search for Southannan Sands SSSI and Portencross Woods SSSI, or email Natalie Ward at natalie.ward@snh.gov.uk