The preliminary results of a consultation have confirmed that public concern has forced the UK government to abandon its plan to allow fracking in England ’s Sites of Special Scientific Interest ( SSSI ) . Such sites were initially protected from fracking , but in July such protection seemed to be lifted . ’s best places for wildlife, Sites of Special Scientific Interest. There are 4,000 sites in England . These could be added to a range of areas including national parks and areas of outstanding natural beauty where fracking is also prohibited . However , anti - fracking campaigners commented that companies could still drill to the edge of , and beneath , protected areas .
The preliminary results of a consultation have confirmed that public concern has forced the UK government to abandon its plan to allow fracking in England ’s Sites of Special Scientific Interest ( SSSI ) . Such sites were initially protected from fracking , but in July such protection seemed to be lifted . There are 4,000 sites in England . These could be added to a range of areas including national parks and areas of outstanding natural beauty where fracking is also prohibited . However , anti - fracking campaigners commented that companies could still drill to the edge of , and beneath , protected areas .