The Local Sites Selection Panel is a sub-group of BNCF. Thames Valley Environmental Record Centre (TVERC) is the chair of this Panel and play a key role in the survey, selection and maintenance of information on Local Sites. Local Sites consist of two types of sites: those with significant nature conservation value known as Local Wildlife Sites (LWS), and those with significant geological value known as Local Geological Sites (LGS).

LWS have been identified as they support important characteristic or threatened habitats or species included in the local or national Biodiversity Action Plans. In Berkshire, there are approximately 760 LWS representing 8% of the county land area (2009). 

LGS exhibit important geological and geomorphological features. Currently, there are only 13 LGS in Berkshire. The work on LGS, previously known as Regionally Important Geological Sites (RIGS), has relied on additional sources of funding. In the last two years, the number of LGS in Berkshire has increased from one to 13 as a result of work that has been carried out in close co-operation with the Berkshire RIGS Group.

The LWS and LGS are non-statutory sites that may be privately or publicly owned and vary in size and shape from small orchards, green lanes and view points (LGS) to much larger areas of ancient woodlands, heathland, active quarries and commons.

Government tasks Local Authorities with the designation and protection of such sites through the planning system. The work TVERC carries out on Local Sites is one of the main services TVERC supplies to Local Authorities in Berkshire and Oxfordshire. TVERC also assists in reporting on the status of these sites in order that Local authorities fulfil their duties in the reporting under Annual Monitoring reports as well as the new National Indicator 197: Improved Local Biodiversity – a measure of the proportion of Local Sites where positive conservation management has been or is being implemented.

LWS and LGS are much more than sites which need to taken into consideration in the planning system. LWS and LGS are a key component in the maintenance of the diversity of wildlife and geology in the UK.

LWS are targets for positive management through advice and grants. Environmental stewardship schemes such as Countryside Stewardship, Environmentally Sensitive Areas and now the Higher Level stewardship Scheme can provide grant aid to help maintain and enhance the importance of these sites.