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.
The Forestry Commission is now urging woodland managers in Yorkshire and the Humber to find out more to ensure they stay on the right side of the law.
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 with the EU Habitats Directive.
To highlight the issues involved the Forestry Commission is staging a meeting at the Dalby Forest Visitor Centre, near Pickering, on 9 January 2008 – which is already fully booked.
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.
Jeremy Dick, Regional Grants and Regulations Manager for the Forestry Commission, explained
“People need to be aware of the way the law has changed in this vital area. Woods need to actively managed to unlock their potential, such as producing sustainable timber, recreation and habitat creation. We’ll be explaining how to carry out operations at our Dalby meeting while complying with the law where protected species are present. But even if people can’t attend this event, it’s important they get up to speed on the regulations.”
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.
Media calls: Richard Darn on 0113 341 3178. Mobile: 07753 670038.
Notes to editor
Forestry Commission England is the government department responsible in England for protecting, expanding and promoting the sustainable management of woods and forests and increasing their value to society and the environment. Forestry makes a real contribution to sustainable development, providing social and environmental benefits arising from planting and managing attractive, as well as productive, woodlands. For further information visit www.forestry.gov.uk
ISSUED ON BEHALF OF THE FORESTRY COMMISSION BY RICHARD DARN, GNN, LEEDS LS1 4JG.