Ramsar Site
An area that has been designated a ‘Wetland of International Importance’ as defined by the Ramsar Convention of 1971, aimed at promoting wetlands and fostering their wise use. Ramsar is the town in Iran where this convention was adopted. The UK Government signed the convention in 1973.

Red Data Book (RDB)
Catalogues published by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) or by the national authority listing species which are rare or in danger of becoming extinct either nationally or globally. RDB listings categorise species on rarity grounds, with the categories based on geographic range and population size (where known).

Reserves Enhancement Scheme
Grant scheme operated by English Nature to encourage positive management of SSSIs managed by the wildlife trusts.