The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010 provide the UK framework for protecting European protected habitats and species, implementing key requirements of the EU Habitats and Birds Directives as retained in UK law. The Regulations establish legally binding controls on development, land use and activities that may affect protected sites and species, with strict assessment and mitigation requirements.
The Regulations are central to UK nature conservation law and apply across England and Wales (with parallel regimes elsewhere in the UK). They govern the designation and protection of Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) and Special Protection Areas (SPAs), collectively forming part of the Natura 2000 / protected sites network. Compliance is critical for developers, infrastructure operators, land managers and public authorities.
Benefits of compliance:
