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 of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010. From 1st April 2010, this legislation updates and consolidates all the amendments to the Regulations since they were first made in 1994.

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 newt surveys

Ensure survey equipment is properly disinfected between different site visits
With the onset of spring, hundreds of surveys will now be undertaken in ponds across England. Due to the risk of spreading disease through these surveys, all surveyors should be aware of, and follow, the ARG-UK guidance on how to minimise the risk of spreading disease (particularly Chytridiomycosis) between amphibian populations. Further guidance on chytridiomycosis in relation to licensing can be found in our FAQs.

Surveys during unseasonably cold weather
Natural England are aware of the cold temperature constraints at present and recommend that surveys are only carried out under suitable weather conditions, in accordance with the great crested newt mitigation guidelines. If this means that sufficient surveys cannot be carried out during the usual ‘peak’ period between mid-April and mid-May, Natural England will accept such surveys, provided that the constraints are fully explained in any licence application. Natural England would still expect that surveys should be spread over the survey season as much as possible, and would not recommend surveys of ponds are begun at the end of the survey season in June.

Latest News

(24 March 2010) In February 2010, Natural England ran two stakeholder EPS Focus Group events in Birmingham to encourage developers and ecologists to share their experiences of EPS licensing and suggest ways of improving the process and the service. A summary of the discussions records the outcomes of the events. It includes stakeholder thoughts on what works well with Natural England licensing and what works less well and possible solutions put forward by the attendees on how the system could be improved. Following the Focus Group event we have hosted a similar event with Natural England licensing staff to develop our ways of working. We will keep customers informed on our progress.
(5 May 2010) Great crested newt method statement. Apologies for delays to the publication of the revised great crested newt method statement template, with a reformatted survey section. Natural England expect it to be available and ready for use by mid-June. Please ensure that you always download a new method statement template with each great crested newt mitigation licence application to ensure that the most up to date template is being used.
(6 April 2010) On 1 April 2010 The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010 came into force. These are now the principal means by which the Habitats Directive is transposed in England and Wales. This updates and consolidates all the amendments to the Regulations since they were first made in 1994. There are few changes that effect licensing and advice (except in the marine environment - see news item below). However, please note that restructuring to make the legislation easier to understand has resulted in alterations to the numbering of the various provisions.
(24 March 2010) In February 2010, Natural England ran two stakeholder EPS Focus Group events in Birmingham to encourage developers and ecologists to share their experiences of EPS licensing and suggest ways of improving the process and the service. A summary of the discussions records the outcomes of the events. It includes stakeholder thoughts on what works well with Natural England licensing and what works less well and possible solutions put forward by the attendees on how the system could be improved. Following the Focus Group event we have hosted a similar event with Natural England licensing staff to develop our ways of working. We will keep customers informed on our progress
(12 March 2010) White-nose syndrome in bats. Following the positive identification of G. destructans on a bat in France, the WNS guidance for UK Bat Workers has been revised to include sampling techniques and a revised surveillance form. A copy of the revised guidelines is available on the BCT website. As a precautionary measure, all UK bat workers undertaking hibernation checks are asked to follow the decontamination procedure after each site visit (contained in Appendix IV of BCT’s White-nose Syndrome: Guidelines for Bat workers).
(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.