European Directives

European law has sometimes been the stimulus for the creation of national laws relating to nature conservation:

Birds Directive 1979 (79/409/EEC)

The Birds Directive 1979 (79/409/EEC) is the oldest nature conservation legislation in Europe and establishes a comprehensive scheme of protection for all wild birds.

The directive establishes a comprehensive network of Special Protection Areas (SPAs) which since 1994 have formed part of the NATURA 2000 network.

The directive bans activities that directly threaten birds, such as the deliberate killing or capture of birds, the destruction of their nests and taking of their eggs, and associated activities such as trading in live or dead birds.

Habitats Directive 1992 (92/43/EEC)

The Habitats Directive 1992 (92/43/EEC) protects over 1,000 species and 200 habitats and gives special protection Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) which form part of the NATURA 2000 network. This directive was transposed into national law under the Conservation (Natural Habitats) Regulations 1994.

EIA Directive 1997 (97/11/EC)

The EIA Directive 1997 (97/11/EC) ensures that environmental consequences of projects are identified and assessed before authorisation is given and was transposed into national law under the Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) (England and Wales) Regulations 1999.