Special Protection Areas (SPAs) are classified under the EC Directive on the Conservation of Wild Birds (79/409/EEC), commonly known as the Birds Directive. The Directive requires the Member States of the European Community to identify and classify the most suitable territories, in size and number, for certain rare or vulnerable species (listed in Annex I of the Directive) and for regularly occurring migratory species. SPAs are intended to safeguard the habitats of the species for which they are selected and to protect the birds from significant disturbance. Together with Special Areas of Conservation, which are designated under the Habitats Directive for habitats and non-bird species, SPAs form the Natura 2000 network of sites.
SNH acts as the advisor to Government in proposing selected sites for Ministerial approval as potential SPAs. SNH then consults with key parties over the site proposals on behalf of Scottish Ministers. The consultees, who include owners and occupiers of land, local authorities and other interested parties, are sent details of the proposed site boundaries and the species for which the site qualifies. SNH also negotiates the longer term management of these sites. Following consultation, SNH forwards all responses to Scottish Ministers who then make a decision about whether to classify the site as a Special Protection Area.
View the Consultation on Proposed Extensions to Existing Seabird Colony Special Protection Areas (SPAs) here