Habitats Directive and Regulations

The Habitats Directive is the short name for 'Council directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora'.  This 'Habitats Directive' is translated into Scots law through the Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) Regulations 1994 (as amended in Scotland).  These Regulations are commonly referred to as the 'Habitats Regulations'.  Amongst other measures, the Habitats Regulations afford protection to certain species identified in the Habitats Directive, including those requiring strict protection (European protected species).

European protected species

Certain species on Annex IV of the Habitats Directive get special protection in Scotland.

Habitats Directive

The Habitats Directive outlines the species protection obligations on the UK member State.

Habitats Regulations 1994

Various species found in Scotland are given protection under these Regulations