Meaning & use
conservation areas
Last updated
“conservation areas” is a form of “conservation area”.
Meanings
nounplural
Areas of land officially protected because of their natural features, wildlife, or historic importance.
Grammar: Plural of 'conservation area'; use a singular verb with the singular form: 'The conservation area is protected.'
Patterns
- designate something as a conservation area
- a conservation area for wildlife
- within a conservation area
The city has several conservation areas where new buildings must meet strict design rules.
These conservation areas protect rare birds and plants.
Many conservation areas in the UK cover historic town centers.
nounpluralBritishlegal
In law and planning, districts where extra rules apply to preserve the character of the area.
Grammar: Often used in British English for historic districts; in American English, 'historic district' is more common.
Patterns
- a conservation area designation
- planning permission in a conservation area
You need special permission to change windows in a conservation area.
The council designated the old market square as a conservation area.
Word forms
| singular | conservation area |
|---|
Common combinations
- designate a conservation area
- The government designated the wetland as a conservation area.
- a conservation area for wildlife
- The forest is a conservation area for endangered species.
- within a conservation area
- The house is within a conservation area, so repairs are limited.
- conservation area status
- The neighborhood applied for conservation area status.
Synonyms and how they differ
- protected area
- A broader term for any area managed for conservation; 'conservation area' is often used in official planning contexts.
- nature reserve
- Focuses on wildlife protection, while 'conservation area' can also protect historic buildings.
- historic district
- American term for a protected historic area; similar to a UK conservation area.
Word family
- conserve verb
- To protect something from harm or decay.
- conservation noun
- The act of protecting nature or historic places.
- conservationist noun
- A person who works to protect the environment.
Commonly confused: conservation areas or conservation? conservation areas or conservatory?
conservation areas vs conservation
The general idea of protecting things; 'conservation areas' are specific places.
conservation areas vs conservatory
A glass room or a music school; unrelated to conservation.
Practice
Which sentence uses 'conservation areas' correctly?
Choose one answer.
The phrase is followed by 'to' + infinitive: 'to protect wildlife'. The other options use incorrect verb forms after 'to'.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “conservation areas”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.