Rural Scotland People, Prosperity and Partnership

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The Natura 2000 Network

• Special Areas of Conservation: The Habitats Directive lists habitats and species of animals which are important in the European Community because they are rare, endangered or vulnerable. 63 of those species and 52 habitats are found in Scotland, including 14 priority habitats.

• Special Protection Areas: With its rich variety of habitats, Scotland is a very special place for wild birds. Some are permanent residents, some come here to breed, some overwinter, some use Scotland as a staging post while migrating. Since these wild birds do not recognise national boundaries, we need international agreements to protect them. The 1979 EC Wild Birds Directive gives Member state of the European Community powers and responsibilities to classify Special Protection Areas to protect all regularly occurring migratory birds, and vulnerable birds which are listed in the Directive.

• The Scottish Network: The Government is consulting on the areas to be given these forms of protection.