These Regulations are the principal means by which EU legislation (the Habitats Directive) on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora is transposed for England and Wales. The objective of these Regulations is to protect biodiversity through the conservation of natural habitats and species of wild fauna and flora, and lays down rules for the protection, management and exploitation of such habitats and species. The vast majority of the provisions in the Habitats Regulations now apply specifically only to England and Wales.
