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People working in the agriculture, forestry and marine sectors are offered a range of best practice guidance material to minimise the risks of committing an offence under the Conservation (Natural Habitats &c.) Regulations 1994 as amended in 2007
. For general guidance to land managers and specific guidance on the legislation and particular European protected animals please see our guidance documents below. For forestry and marine sectors please the appropriate sections.
Following the 2007 amendments a document was launched by Natural England to give further guidance on disturbance. Disturbance and protected species: understanding and applying the law in England and Wales
.
General guidance ![]()
Disturbance: interpreting the legislation ![]()
Great crested newts ![]()
Dormice SIN005
Otters SIN006
Smooth snakes SIN007
Sand lizards SIN008
Natterjack toads SIN009
Bats SIN010
If you have a concern such as bats in your loft space download the guidance
or contact your local batline service
for advice. Alternatively you may wish to find information from the Bat Conservation Trust website.
Guidance for householders ![]()
Batworkers Manual (JNCC)
Focus on bats (general information on bats)
Bats in churches: a management guide (Natural England and English Heritage) TIN043 ![]()
Bats and human health ![]()
Remedial timber treatment products suitable for use in bat roosts ![]()
Woodland managers can obtain information, best practice guidance from the Forestry Commission or by telephone 0845 3673787 (0845 FORESTS).
If you have a query about a marine European protected species issue (as protected under the Offshore Marine Conservation Regulations 2007) please contact JNCC on 01224 655701 or 655716 or 655718 for guidance. The JNCC's Interim guidance on interpreting the deliberate disturbance offence with regards to marine European Protected Species (cetaceans, turtles and sturgeon) for English and Welsh territorial waters and the UK offshore marine area is now online.