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Natura site protection

How are Natura sites protected in Scotland?

In Scotland Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) and Special Protection Areas (SPAs) are given legal protection by the Habitats Regulations. These ensure that any plan or project that may damage a Natura site - for example, a proposed development or an activity requiring a license - is first assessed and can only go ahead if certain strict conditions are met. This procedure is known as Habitats Regulations Appraisal, part of which is called 'appropriate assessment'. SACs and SPAs have a high level of protection because they designated for habitats and species of European importance, but this does not mean that proposals are always turned down. In fact, most developments and activities which affect Natura sites can be modified so that they do not conflict with the special interest of these protected areas.

Who is responsible for protecting SACs and SPAs?

Member States of the European Union are given certain responsibilities under the Habitats Directive. Where Natura sites are concerned, these include the obligation to avoid the deterioration of the qualifying habitats, and the significant disturbance of the qualifying species for which the sites are designated. This means that all of us have a part to play in conserving the special nature of these protected areas. In particular, appraisals under the Habitats Regulations must be carried out by any organisation or body that authorises a proposal or consents to an activity that may affect a Natura site. Such bodies are known as 'competent authorities' under the Habitats Regulations. They include Scottish Government, local authorities, Scottish Environmental Protection Agency, the Forestry Commission, Scottish Natural Heritage, and many others.