Habitat Regulations Amendments
Please note that no responsibility can be accepted by the Bat Conservation Trust for the content of guidance produced by other bodies and referred to on this website. The links are provided for visitor's convenienece and should not be taken as endorsement.
The Habitats Regulations were amended across the UK in 2007.
In Scotland...
The amending legislation (Scottish Statutory Instrument 2007 No. 80) came into effect on 14 February 2007.
The offence of possessing, controlling or transporting specimens of European Protected Species [Reg. 39(3)] entered into force on 1 May 2007 and the offence of breaching licence conditions [Reg. 46A] entered into force on 15 May 2007. The amending legislation is now fully implemented in Scotland.
The Scottish Executive has produced explanatory guidance (2007) for species related activities.
Forestry Commission Scotland has produced Guidance Note 34: Forest operations and European protected species in Scottish forests (May 2007).
In England, Wales and Northern Ireland...
The amending legislation (Statutory Instrument 2007 No. 1843 in England and Wales and Statutory Rule 2007 No. 345) came into effect on 21 August 2007.
There is a period of three months after the Regulations come into force to allow people time to obtain licences for possession of EPS.
Natural England recently sent out guidance to all their licensed bat workers. If you did not receive this, or if it does not answer all your queries you should contact your local area office. It is our understanding that guidance is also being produced for Wales and Northern Ireland.
BCT has been continuing to assist the statutuory nature conservation organisations and the Forestry Commission on devising guidance for different stakeholders including batworkers. Information resources are provided below:
- Defra's latest information on the changes.
- View a Q & A that includes some guidance that will be of interest to batworkers and to individuals working in forestry and agriculture.
- The licensing section of Natural England's website including a link to download the licence for possession of bats
- Further information and guidance on forestry management for Great Britain
- Further information and guidance on forestry management for England
We will make you aware of new guidance as it is released. We would be grateful for information on your experiences of working under the amended regulations.
Our work is supported by Natural England and The Esmee Fairbairn Foundation
Related downloads
A summary of the changes, provided by Natural England and the Countryside Council for Wales
A summary of the changes, provided by Natural England and the Countryside Council for Wales