The Government strongly supports the aims of the Habitats and Wild Birds Directives to protect our rarest and most threatened habitats and species, which contribute to the economic value of our natural environment.

In November 2011 the Government announced a review of the Habitats and Wild Birds Directives, as currently implemented in England, with a view to reducing burdens on business while maintaining the integrity of the purpose of the Directives.

Report of the Review

The Government published the Report of the Habitats and Wild Birds Directives Implementation Review on 22 March 2012.

• Read the report

The report sets out the conclusions of the Government’s Review and the actions that Government will take, in partnership with the public, private and voluntary sectors, to improve implementation and in doing so strengthen the environmental purpose and integrity of the Directives.

Findings of the Review

The Review found that in the large majority of cases the implementation of the Directives is working well, allowing both development of key infrastructure  and ensuring that a high level of environmental protection is maintained.

However, some cases do encounter delays, although the Habitats and Wild Birds Directives may only be one contributory factor.

From the evidence received and analysis undertaken, the Review identified four key areas where change will improve the implementation of the Directives for the benefit of both the economy and the environment:

• Facilitating nationally significant infrastructure projects
• Improving implementation processes and streamlining guidance
• Improving the quality, quantity and sharing of data
• Improving the customer experience

In the longer term, the Review commits to assessing how we can move towards a broader ecosystems approach; for example by examining its role in helping to make strategic choices about mitigation and compensation where a number of projects are impacting on the same area.

Implementing the report

Defra will oversee implementation of the package of measures, working with other Government departments and agencies. An implementation plan for the measures in the Review is being developed, and a number of them will be included in Defra’s Business Plan

All measures in the Review have a clear date for delivery. Work on many will be starting work now with consultations and other activities planned over the next 6-12 months.

Defra Ministers will be holding a meeting for stakeholders in September 2012 to assess how far the recommendations of the Review have been delivered. We will be publishing a report on progress on implementation by March 2013.

• Summary of measures

Background to the Review

In the Autumn Statement in November 2011,  the Government announced a review the Habitats and Wild Birds Directives, as currently implemented in England  (and relevant offshore waters),  focussing on obligations affecting authorisations for developments, with a view to reducing burdens on business while maintaining the integrity of the purpose of the Directives.

• Terms of Reference

• Examination into how well the Habitats and Birds Directives are being implemented in England (news release, 29 November 2011)

How we conducted the Review

Working closely with stakeholders has been an essential part of the Review. We published a call for evidence on our website; set up a High Level Advisory Group to provide a steer on the direction of the Review; held a Stakeholder Workshop; and have held Challenge Panels to explore key issues and opportunities.

• Read more about how we conducted the review

Further information

If you have any queries, please email us on: HDimplementationreview@defra.gsi.gov.uk