Habitats regulation Q&A
This questions and answers section has been divided into section relevant topics due to the number of questions and answers. The full list of questions & answers is available to download 
[264 KB], alternatively, they can be viewed by selecting the relevant topic area below.
Headline messages
The amendments to the Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) Regulations 1994 (“Habitats Regulations”) address current gaps and inconsistencies and create greater legal certainty in a number of areas.
The amendments will:
- amend the species protection regime to better reflect the Habitats Directive;
- provide a clear legal basis for surveillance and monitoring of European protected species (“EPS”; which, for the purposes of our legislation, are species listed in Annex IV to the Habitats Directive whose natural range includes any area of Great Britain);
- toughen the regime on trading of all Annex IV and Annex II(b) species and not just those found in Great Britain;
- ensure that the requirement to carry out appropriate assessments on water abstraction consents and land use plans is explicit.
Topic Areas
Sector specific issues
- Taxidermy
- Working with bats
- On-going activities (e.g. forestry and agricultural practices)
- EPS in dwelling houses (bats)
- Fisheries
- Prohibition of the use of indiscriminate means of capture and killing
- Surveillance and Monitoring
- Introduction of non-native species from ships
- Plans and Projects
- Further advice
Page last modified: 18 July 2007