Environment Hub

Habitats and Birds

The European Union is seeking to ensure biodiversity by conserving natural habitats and wild fauna and flora in the territory of the Member States. An ecological network of special protected areas, known as "Natura 2000", is being set up for this purpose. The network is given coherence by other activities involving monitoring and surveillance, reintroduction of native species, introduction of non-native species, research and education.

Member States must:

Encourage the management of features of the landscape which are essential for the migration, dispersal and genetic exchange of wild species

Establish systems of strict protection for those animal and plant species which are particularly threatened (Annex IV) and study the desirability of reintroducing those species in their territory

Prohibit the use of non-selective methods of taking, capturing or killing certain animal and plant species (Annex V)

The Conservation (Natural Habitats &c.) Regulations 1994 (SI 1994 No. 2714), is the legislation which transposes the requirements of the European Birds and Habitats Directives into UK law. This protects European Sites.

European Sites include:

Ramsar Sites (all Ramsar Sites are also SSSI)
Special Protection Areas (all SPAs are SSSIs)
Special Areas of Conservation (all SACs are also SSSIs)

Natural England (NE) (incorporating the former English Nature) is able to declare sites and areas under legislation as either a National Nature Reserve (NNR) Marine Nature Reserve (MNR or a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). Not all SSSIs are European Sites.

Before the EA can issue an Environmental Permit (EP), formerly a Pollution Prevention and Control (PPC) Permit, it has to determine that the activity for which a permit is being sought is not causing, or could cause, harm to protected habitats afforded strict protection under this directive. Natural England can raise objection to proposed developments where the protected habitats could be damaged as a consequence of the work or subsequent activity. Those contemplating new developments need to consider the proximity of the site to sensitive habitats that could be damaged and be prepared to implement any necessary measures that may be required to afford environmental protection.

Ammonia from livestock production facilities can cause damage to sensitive habitats, particularly lichens and bryophytes. A number of farms permitted under the PPC regulations have been set strict targets for ammonia reduction within their permit.

EA guidance on habitats directive

The Habitats Directive

European Union Wild Birds and Habitats Directives