Natural England - UK list of priority habitats and species

UK list of priority habitats and species

The UK Biodiversity Action Plan (UK BAP), published in 1994 sets out a programme for conserving biodiversity in the UK. The UK BAP has published lists of species and habitats that are conservation priorities which are under threat because of their rarity and rate of decline.

A review of the UK BAP priority list in 2007 led to the identification of 1,150 species and 65 habitats that meet the BAP criteria at UK level. Priorities for England have been published under Section 41 of the NERC Act 2006.

Species criteria

Species were assessed according to four criteria:

  1. Threatened internationally.
  2. International responsibly and a 25% decline in the UK.
  3. More than 50% decline in the UK.
  4. Other important factors, where quantitative data on decline were lacking but there is other evidence of extreme threat.

Habitat criteria

Marine habitats were evaluated using adapted Review of Marine Nature Conservation criteria and Terrestrial & Freshwater habitat criteria were adapted from those used in the original selection process in 1995:

  1. Habitats the UK has international obligations for.
  2. Natural and semi-natural habitats at risk, such as those with a high rate of decline or which are rare.
  3. Habitats important for key species.
  4. Habitats which are 'functionally critical' i.e. those essential for organisms inhabiting wider ecosystems, may be used in some cases as for support, but is unlikely to be a qualifying criterion on its own.

Download lists

UK List of Priority Species and Habitatsexternal link [Excel spreadsheet]

You can find further information about the review of the UK BAP List on the UK Biodiversity Action Planexternal link website.

Related article

Integrating the needs of England's priority species into habitat management