Biogenetic Reserves aim to conserve European
flora, fauna and natural areas especially heathlands and dry
grasslands that although common in one country may be scarce in
another.
In this way a store of genetic material – the genes of plants
and animals – is kept for the future, hence the term
biogenetic.
To be considered for such a reserve, sites in the UK must first
be SSSI or otherwise designated.
The Bern Convention in 1982 led to the establishment of this
European network of Biogenetic Reserves.