land managers urged to know habitat
law

BATS and otters are just two of the region's endangered animals given added protection as a result of recent changes to wildlife habitat regulations which were recently highlighted during an event in North Yorkshire.

The Forestry Commission is urging woodland managers in Yorkshire to find out more to ensure they stay on the right side of the law and held the event at Dalby Forest near Pickering.

The change to key habitat regulations became law on 21 August 2007 and strengthens the legal protection given to rare wildlife and plants on the European Protected Species list. The move was required by the European Court of Justice to ensure the UK complied fully with a European Directive.

Other creatures on the EU's list are also found in local woods, including the dormouse and great crested newt, along with two plants, Killarney fern and Lady's slipper.

For many years it has been an offence to kill or to disturb any of these, or to damage the habitats they depend on. However, previously people were exempt from punishment if their actions were an incidental result of a lawful operation, for instance tree thinning, and could not reasonably have been avoided.

This defence has now been removed, leaving people at greater risk of prosecution. Accidental damage to a breeding site or resting place is also now an offence.

The Forestry Commission says that people need to be aware of the way the law has changed in this vital area.

They add that whilst woods need to actively managed to unlock their potential, such as producing sustainable timber, recreation and habitat creation, it is important to explain how to carry out operations while complying with the law where protected species are present.

To find out more log-on to www.forestry.gov.uk/england-protectedspecies The website includes detailed species guidelines and background information on the Habitats Regulations.