The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017

Selection of sites eligible for identification as of Community importance E+W

12.—(1) On the basis of the criteria set out in Annex III (Stage 1) to the Habitats Directive, and relevant scientific information, the appropriate authority must propose a list of sites in England or Wales which are eligible for identification as of Community importance, indicating with respect to each site—

(a) which natural habitat types in Annex I to the Habitats Directive the site hosts; and

(b) which species in Annex II to the Habitats Directive that are native to Great Britain the site hosts.

(2) For animal species ranging over wide areas, these sites must correspond to the places within the natural range of such species which present the physical or biological factors essential to their life and reproduction.

(3) For aquatic species which range over wide areas, such sites are to be proposed only where there is a clearly identifiable area representing the physical and biological factors essential to their life and reproduction.

(4) The appropriate authority may propose modifications of the list in the light of the results of the surveillance referred to in Article 11 of the Habitats Directive (surveillance).

(5) The list, and any new site included in that list, must be transmitted to the European Commission together with information on each site including—

(a) a map of the site,

(b) its name, location and extent, and

(c) the data resulting from application of the criteria specified in Annex III (Stage 1) to the Habitats Directive,

provided in a format established by the European Commission.