Special Areas of Conservation Award (SACA)

09/04/2026 Off By Camping and Hiking

About Special Areas of Conservation (SACs)

Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) are protected areas designated for habitats and species of importance under the UK SAC network. There are 658 designated SACs in the United Kingdom, including cross-border sites and excluding Gibraltar. Cross-border sites are listed under both countries, and sites are sorted alphabetically within country.

The SACA programme encourages responsible amateur radio activity associated with these important conservation areas, while respecting access conditions, safety requirements, landowner permissions, and environmental protection. Only SACs listed in the official SACA list are valid for this award programme.

General Conditions

  • All awards are issued in accordance with the GMFF General Rules.
  • Participation is limited to licensed amateur radio operators who are current GMFF members.
  • All QSOs must comply with amateur radio regulations and GMFF requirements.
  • Only SACs listed in the official SACA list are valid for award purposes.
  • The Award Manager reserves the right to request proof of any QSO, including confirmation from the activator.
  • All information provided in the application must be accurate and complete.
  • Cross-border SACs count by SAC reference and are listed under both relevant countries in the official list.
  • Offshore SACs may be activated by maritime mobile amateur radio stations, provided the operation is lawful and the station is operating from within the qualifying SAC area or within the permitted proximity rule stated below.
See also  British Isles Rambler Award (BIRA)

Chaser Awards – “Hunter Series”

The SACA Hunter Series is awarded for confirmed contacts with valid GMFF activations from
Special Areas of Conservation listed in the official SACA list.

Award Levels

  • SACA 10 – Contacts with 10 different SACs
  • SACA 20 – Contacts with 20 different SACs
  • SACA 30 – Contacts with 30 different SACs
  • SACA 40 – Contacts with 40 different SACs
  • SACA 50 – Contacts with 50 different SACs
  • SACA 60 – Contacts with 60 different SACs
  • SACA 70 – Contacts with 70 different SACs
  • SACA 80 – Contacts with 80 different SACs
  • SACA 90 – Contacts with 90 different SACs
  • SACA 100 – Contacts with 100 different SACs

Requirements

  • Each QSO must be with a valid GMFF activation from a SAC listed in the official SACA list.
  • Each qualifying contact must represent a different SAC reference.
  • Repeat contacts with the same SAC do not increase the count toward a Hunter award level.
  • QSOs may be made on any permitted amateur radio band or mode in accordance with the GMFF General Rules.
  • Activator-to-activator QSOs may count toward chaser totals where permitted under the GMFF General Rules.

Activator Awards – “Explorer Series”

The SACA Explorer Series is awarded to operators and club stations activating different
Special Areas of Conservation in the United Kingdom.

Award Levels

  • SACA Explorer 10 – 10 different SAC activations
  • SACA Explorer 20 – 20 different SAC activations
  • SACA Explorer 30 – 30 different SAC activations
  • SACA Explorer 40 – 40 different SAC activations
  • SACA Explorer 50 – 50 different SAC activations
  • SACA Explorer 60 – 60 different SAC activations
  • SACA Explorer 70 – 70 different SAC activations
  • SACA Explorer 80 – 80 different SAC activations
  • SACA Explorer 90 – 90 different SAC activations
  • SACA Explorer 100 – 100 different SAC activations
See also  Special Protection Areas Award (SPAA)

Activation Requirements

  • Operation must take place within the official boundaries of the SAC.
  • Where this is not possible, operation is permitted within 100 metres of the nearest boundary point.
  • Offshore SACs may be activated by maritime mobile amateur radio stations.
  • A minimum of 10 QSOs with different stations is required for a valid activation.
  • All equipment, including antenna and power source, must be located within the qualifying location, except where the 100-metre boundary rule applies.
  • Activators must obtain all necessary permissions to access and operate from a location.
  • Holding an amateur radio licence does not automatically grant permission to operate from any site.
  • Compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, site rules, environmental protections, and landowner requirements is mandatory.
  • An activation counts once per SAC reference toward the Explorer totals, regardless of how many times that SAC is activated.
  • Club stations may qualify, provided all operation is carried out under a valid callsign and in accordance with the GMFF General Rules.

Application Procedure

  1. Pay the award fee.
  2. Record your PayPal Transaction ID (required for application).
  3. Download the appropriate application form:
  1. Complete the form in full.
  2. Submit the application to info@gmff.uk.

Optional engraved plaques may be requested for any award, subject to current availability and pricing.
Please see the GMFF General Rules for the wider programme framework.

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