Local authorities are required to identify and provide for the protection and enhancement of the natural heritage within their areas. As part of their planning function, they have a responsibility to take account of sites of substantive nature conservation value. SINC is a non-statutory designation used to identify high quality wildlife sites in the country that are NOT subject to "Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)" - a statutory designation.
Low Far Side, as a SINC, was last surveyed in July 2000. The survey covered both wildlife and flora but focused upon the flora because the land has never been fertilized by artificial fertilizers. Many species have been endangered by these artificial fertilizers but still exist in pockets such as Low Far Side. Notable flora species were bilberries, scurvy grass, mountain pansies, and several types of plants that are found only on lead mine scrap heaps. Survey summarized here
The most obvious birdlife to the non-expert eye is the red grouse population. Low Far Side is home to a family of about 12 red grouse. The red grouse nest in the 8-acre heath field known as Cock Hill. The numbers have been determined by counting them on the fly (although they rarely all fly at once) and by counting the droppings they leave after stealing feed from the neighbours. Pheasant, curlew, kestrel, and short-eared owls all share Low Far Side with the red grouse.