Natural England - European Protected Species

European Protected Species

Advice and legislation relating to European protected species and Licensing.

European Protected Species are animals and plants that receive protection under the Conservation (Natural Habitats &c.) Regulations 1994 and as amended in 2007 .

You can download a full list of all Species listed on Annex IV of the Habitats Directive with common names , including those not resident in the UK.

Seasonal tips

***Great crested newts in winter and cessation of trapping till spring.***
As we have now entered the winter period great crested newt capture will have stopped. Natural England advises that pitfall traps are closed once newts begin to hibernate (generally after the first frosts) and re-opened in suitable weather conditions in the spring when newts become active again above ground. Although some newts may become active during the winter period, their behaviour is unpredictable and many individuals will remain in hibernation sites unavailable for capture. Furthermore, strong directional movements, which are best for trapping, are much less common during this period.

Pitfall trapping over the winter also has welfare implications for both target, and non-target, species that may become caught in traps. Any animal caught in a pitfall trap is protected under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 and the operator has a duty of care to ensure that captured animals do not endure suffering whilst in captivity. Natural England will not therefore, licence the capture of great crested newts over the winter, even during bouts of milder weather.

Latest News

(26 January 2010) Revised guidance on over mitigation has been added to the Natural England Website - Dispelling the myths: providing unnecessary “over-mitigation/compensation” will not help to secure a Natural England European Protected Species mitigation licence.
(21 January 2010) On 8th January 2010, Natural England called for restraint to avoid activities that will cause unnecessary disturbance to birdlife already suffering as a result of the cold weather. Conditions have improved, birds have largely recovered over the past few days. The period of voluntary restraint has ended. Natural England thanks all those who offered their cooperation and participated in reporting conditions.
(14 January 2010) A revised Great crested newt method statement has been added to our website -GCN WML-14-2.xls.
The format of the survey section within this method statement template is currently being revised and is likely to be added to the website toward the end of February or beginning of March 2010. Please always down load the latest version of the method statement template from our licence application pages to ensure the most up to date version is being used.
(7 January 2010) European Protected Species Applications
Due to the adverse weather conditions and resulting staff shortages, there may be some delay in processing of applications. However, Natural England are working as quickly as possible to ensure we meet the needs and expectations of our customers.
(15 December) Change to 'Experience in bat mitigation: Guidance for ecologists' . Natural England has updated its guidance on experience required for those applying for bat licenses (mitigation), would applicants please ensure they read this new guidance.
(5 October) Change to Bat mitigation application form, Natural England have produced a new method statement form incorporating a timetable template. Please ensure you use the latest version when applying.