Great crested newt and construction works - Revision history

Designing Buildings at 10:56, 6 January 2022

2022-01-06T10:56:00Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:56, 6 January 2022
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	In February 2020, Natural England rolled out a ‘strategic approach’ to great crested newt licensing across 37 local authorities to better protect the amphibian. The ‘District Level Licensing’ scheme works at a landscape rather than at site-by-site scale and uses conservation payments from developers to create new habitats in locations that will benefit the species. Ref [https://www.gov.uk/government/news/innovative-scheme-to-conserve-newts-and-promote-sustainable-development-is-rolled-out-across-england https://www.gov.uk/government/news/innovative-scheme-to-conserve-newts-and-promote-sustainable-development-is-rolled-out-across-england]		In February 2020, Natural England rolled out a ‘strategic approach’ to great crested newt licensing across 37 local authorities to better protect the amphibian. The ‘District Level Licensing’ scheme works at a landscape rather than at site-by-site scale and uses conservation payments from developers to create new habitats in locations that will benefit the species. Ref [https://www.gov.uk/government/news/innovative-scheme-to-conserve-newts-and-promote-sustainable-development-is-rolled-out-across-england https://www.gov.uk/government/news/innovative-scheme-to-conserve-newts-and-promote-sustainable-development-is-rolled-out-across-england]

−	= Related articles on Designing Buildings ~~Wiki.~~ =	+	= Related articles on Designing Buildings =

	* Biodiversity offsetting.		* Biodiversity offsetting.
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	* [http://www.arguk.org/advice-and-guidance/view-category?dir=ASC&limit=50&limitstart=0&order=date Habitat suitability index note.]		* [http://www.arguk.org/advice-and-guidance/view-category?dir=ASC&limit=50&limitstart=0&order=date Habitat suitability index note.]
	* [https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/natural-england Natural England].		* [https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/natural-england Natural England].
−	* [http://www.snh.gov.uk/protecting-scotlands-nature/species-licensing/european-species-licensing/ Scottish Natural Heritage].

−	[[Category:DCN_Definition]] [[Category:DCN_Guidance]] [[Category:DCN_Legislation]] [[Category:~~Surrey_Hills_AONB~~]] [[Category:~~Other_legislation~~]] [[Category:~~Sustainability~~]]	+	[[Category:DCN_Definition]] [[Category:DCN_Guidance]] [[Category:DCN_Legislation]] [[Category:Other_legislation]] [[Category:Sustainability]] [[Category:Surrey_Hills_AONB]]

Designing Buildings at 11:02, 15 February 2021

2021-02-15T11:02:26Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:02, 15 February 2021
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	* [http://www.snh.gov.uk/protecting-scotlands-nature/species-licensing/european-species-licensing/ Scottish Natural Heritage].		* [http://www.snh.gov.uk/protecting-scotlands-nature/species-licensing/european-species-licensing/ Scottish Natural Heritage].

−	[[Category:DCN_Definition]] [[Category:DCN_Guidance]] [[Category:DCN_Legislation]] [[Category:Other_legislation]] [[Category:Sustainability]]	+	[[Category:DCN_Definition]] [[Category:DCN_Guidance]] [[Category:DCN_Legislation]] [[Category:Surrey_Hills_AONB]] [[Category:Other_legislation]] [[Category:Sustainability]]

Designing Buildings at 06:04, 7 October 2020

2020-10-07T06:04:32Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 06:04, 7 October 2020
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	* [http://www.snh.gov.uk/protecting-scotlands-nature/species-licensing/european-species-licensing/ Scottish Natural Heritage].		* [http://www.snh.gov.uk/protecting-scotlands-nature/species-licensing/european-species-licensing/ Scottish Natural Heritage].

−	[[Category:~~Other_legislation~~]] [[Category:DCN_Legislation]] [[Category:Sustainability]]	+	[[Category:DCN_Definition]] [[Category:DCN_Guidance]] [[Category:DCN_Legislation]] [[Category:Other_legislation]] [[Category:Sustainability]]

Designing Buildings at 10:06, 5 March 2020

2020-03-05T10:06:48Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:06, 5 March 2020
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	Housing and planning minister Gavin Barwell said: “This new approach to managing great crested newts will not only ensure the continued protection of this rare species and its habitat, but will safeguard developers from the delays, costs and uncertainty which have so often restricted the job of building new homes.”		Housing and planning minister Gavin Barwell said: “This new approach to managing great crested newts will not only ensure the continued protection of this rare species and its habitat, but will safeguard developers from the delays, costs and uncertainty which have so often restricted the job of building new homes.”
		+
		+	== 2020 ==
		+
		+	In February 2020, Natural England rolled out a ‘strategic approach’ to great crested newt licensing across 37 local authorities to better protect the amphibian. The ‘District Level Licensing’ scheme works at a landscape rather than at site-by-site scale and uses conservation payments from developers to create new habitats in locations that will benefit the species. Ref [https://www.gov.uk/government/news/innovative-scheme-to-conserve-newts-and-promote-sustainable-development-is-rolled-out-across-england https://www.gov.uk/government/news/innovative-scheme-to-conserve-newts-and-promote-sustainable-development-is-rolled-out-across-england]

	= Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki. =		= Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki. =
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	* [http://www.snh.gov.uk/protecting-scotlands-nature/species-licensing/european-species-licensing/ Scottish Natural Heritage].		* [http://www.snh.gov.uk/protecting-scotlands-nature/species-licensing/european-species-licensing/ Scottish Natural Heritage].

−	[[Category:Other_legislation]] [[Category:Sustainability]]	+	[[Category:Other_legislation]] [[Category:DCN_Legislation]] [[Category:Sustainability]]

Designing Buildings at 14:49, 23 January 2019

2019-01-23T14:49:20Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:49, 23 January 2019
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	* Environmental policy.		* Environmental policy.
	* Habitat Suitability Index.		* Habitat Suitability Index.
−	* National nature reserves.
	* Natural England.		* Natural England.
	* Preliminary ecological appraisal.		* Preliminary ecological appraisal.
	* Protected species		* Protected species
	* Protected species licence.		* Protected species licence.
		+	* Translocation.

	= External references =		= External references =

Designing Buildings at 09:03, 31 December 2018

2018-12-31T09:03:20Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:03, 31 December 2018
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	Housing and planning minister Gavin Barwell said: “This new approach to managing great crested newts will not only ensure the continued protection of this rare species and its habitat, but will safeguard developers from the delays, costs and uncertainty which have so often restricted the job of building new homes.”		Housing and planning minister Gavin Barwell said: “This new approach to managing great crested newts will not only ensure the continued protection of this rare species and its habitat, but will safeguard developers from the delays, costs and uncertainty which have so often restricted the job of building new homes.”

−	~~= Find out more =~~	+	= Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki. =
−		+
−	=== Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki. ===	+

	* Biodiversity offsetting.		* Biodiversity offsetting.
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	* Environmental plan.		* Environmental plan.
	* Environmental policy.		* Environmental policy.
		+	* Habitat Suitability Index.
	* National nature reserves.		* National nature reserves.
	* Natural England.		* Natural England.
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	* Protected species licence.		* Protected species licence.

−	=== External references ===	+	= External references =

	* [http://www.froglife.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/GCN-Conservation-Handbook_compressed.pdf Great crested newt Conservation Handbook].		* [http://www.froglife.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/GCN-Conservation-Handbook_compressed.pdf Great crested newt Conservation Handbook].

Designing Buildings at 11:15, 29 November 2018

2018-11-29T11:15:54Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:15, 29 November 2018
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	In August 2015, Natural England launched a pilot project in Surrey to bring more flexibility to the licensing system. The project aims to take a more strategic approach, ensuring that resources are focused on newt populations and habitat that will bring the greatest benefits, and making the licensing process more straightforward.		In August 2015, Natural England launched a pilot project in Surrey to bring more flexibility to the licensing system. The project aims to take a more strategic approach, ensuring that resources are focused on newt populations and habitat that will bring the greatest benefits, and making the licensing process more straightforward.

−	A local conservation plan will be prepared that will identify areas where development will have the least impact and specify where new habitats will be created, so that when development results in habitat loss, the habitat gains will already be in place to compensate. Ref ~~[http://www.woking.gov.uk/news?item=000055DAD6D5.C0A801BA.00001869.0016~~ Woking Borough Council 24 August 2015].	+	A local conservation plan will be prepared that will identify areas where development will have the least impact and specify where new habitats will be created, so that when development results in habitat loss, the habitat gains will already be in place to compensate. Ref Woking Borough Council 24 August 2015.

	Woking borough council has been looking at the impact on newts at the same time as planning permission, removing the need for expensive surveys prior to building works and individual licences to disturb newts if they are present.		Woking borough council has been looking at the impact on newts at the same time as planning permission, removing the need for expensive surveys prior to building works and individual licences to disturb newts if they are present.

Designing Buildings at 12:17, 14 February 2017

2017-02-14T12:17:15Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:17, 14 February 2017
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−	[[File:Newt.png\|~~281px~~]]	+	[[File:Newt.png\|link=File:Newt.png]]

	= Introduction =		= Introduction =
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	= Updates =		= Updates =

−	According to a ~~February 2017~~ report by the Financial Times, EU laws protecting Britain’s great crested newts could be repealed to help speed up developments.	+	According to a report by the Financial Times in February 2017, EU laws protecting Britain’s great crested newts could be repealed to help speed up developments.

−	The FT said it has been told by government figures that the EU Habitats Directive is among measures ~~set~~ to be repealed, citing the 'excessive' protection as a reason to change the law.	+	The FT said it has been told by government figures that the EU Habitats Directive is among measures to be repealed, citing the 'excessive' protection as a reason to change the law.

−	Removing the EU protection, which covers all 28 member states with a single standard, is expected to ~~aid~~ developers wishing to build on newt habitats, although certain protections would still exist in UK law.	+	Removing the EU protection, which covers all 28 member states with a single standard, is expected to help developers wishing to build on newt habitats, although certain protections would still exist in UK law. The government’s Housing White Paper, published in February 2017, highlighted the fact that the species can stall urgent house building projects and increase costs.

−	~~The government’s Housing White Paper~~, ~~published~~ in ~~February 2017~~, ~~highlighted~~ the ~~fact that~~ the ~~species can stall urgent house building projects and increase costs~~.	+	Meanwhile, Natural England has been piloting a new approach for dealing with the protection of the species. Initially trialled with Woking borough council in Surrey, the new scheme is set to be rolled out across the country.

−	Meanwhile, Natural England has been piloting a new approach to dealing with the protection of the species. Initially trialled with Woking borough council in Surrey, the new scheme is set to be rolled out across the country (see more information above).	+	Housing and planning minister Gavin Barwell said: “This new approach to managing great crested newts will not only ensure the continued protection of this rare species and its habitat, but will safeguard developers from the delays, costs and uncertainty which have so often restricted the job of building new homes.”
−		+
−	Housing and planning minister Gavin Barwell said:	+
−		+
−	“This new approach to managing great crested newts will not only ensure the continued protection of this rare species and its habitat, but will safeguard developers from the delays, costs and uncertainty which have so often restricted the job of building new homes.”	+

	= Find out more =		= Find out more =

Editor at 09:41, 14 February 2017

2017-02-14T09:41:12Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:41, 14 February 2017
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		+	[[File:Newt.png\|281px]]

	= Introduction =		= Introduction =
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	The habitats great crested newts can be found in on land include:		The habitats great crested newts can be found in on land include:
−	*Rough grassland.	+
−	*Cracks or crevices in the ground.	+	* Rough grassland.
−	*Bases of hedgerows.	+	* Cracks or crevices in the ground.
−	*Logpiles.	+	* Bases of hedgerows.
−	*Mammal burrows.	+	* Logpiles.
−	*Woodland.	+	* Mammal burrows.
		+	* Woodland.

	From February until April/May, adults will move from their hibernation sites to their breeding ponds. Once they reach their ponds, they can breed between early March and the end of June (with seasonal variation). Females will lay large numbers of eggs within a waterbody, with each egg wrapped inside the leaves of pond plants.		From February until April/May, adults will move from their hibernation sites to their breeding ponds. Once they reach their ponds, they can breed between early March and the end of June (with seasonal variation). Females will lay large numbers of eggs within a waterbody, with each egg wrapped inside the leaves of pond plants.

	Whilst great crested newts prefer to breed in small to medium sized ponds, they are also known to occur in other habitats including:		Whilst great crested newts prefer to breed in small to medium sized ponds, they are also known to occur in other habitats including:
−	*Large ponds.	+
−	*Drainage ditches.	+	* Large ponds.
−	*Storage tanks.	+	* Drainage ditches.
−	*Mineral extraction sites.	+	* Storage tanks.
		+	* Mineral extraction sites.

	Great crested newts can travel large distances between breeding ponds and their resting places, and it is considered that they may be supported by land within 500m of a pond.		Great crested newts can travel large distances between breeding ponds and their resting places, and it is considered that they may be supported by land within 500m of a pond.
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	Due to the decline of the species across Europe, great crested newts are a European Protected Species. As such, they are protected by both European and UK legislation, meaning it is illegal to:		Due to the decline of the species across Europe, great crested newts are a European Protected Species. As such, they are protected by both European and UK legislation, meaning it is illegal to:
−	*Capture, kill, disturb or injure a great crested newt (either deliberately or by not taking enough care).	+
−	*Damage or destroy their resting or breeding place.	+	* Capture, kill, disturb or injure a great crested newt (either deliberately or by not taking enough care).
−	*Obstruct access to their resting or sheltering places.	+	* Damage or destroy their resting or breeding place.
−	*Possess, sell, control or transport live or dead newts, or parts of them.	+	* Obstruct access to their resting or sheltering places.
−	*Take great crested newt eggs.	+	* Possess, sell, control or transport live or dead newts, or parts of them.
		+	* Take great crested newt eggs.

	Any such offence could result in a prison sentence of up to 6 months and a £5,000 fine for each offence.		Any such offence could result in a prison sentence of up to 6 months and a £5,000 fine for each offence.
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	Situations where great crested newts could be present and therefore affected by works include:		Situations where great crested newts could be present and therefore affected by works include:
−	*Maintenance works to ponds, woodland, scrub or rough grassland.	+
−	*Removing dense, scrub vegetation and ground disturbance.	+	* Maintenance works to ponds, woodland, scrub or rough grassland.
−	*Removing materials, such as dead wood piles.	+	* Removing dense, scrub vegetation and ground disturbance.
−	*Ground excavation works.	+	* Removing materials, such as dead wood piles.
−	*Filling in or destroying ponds or other water bodies.	+	* Ground excavation works.
		+	* Filling in or destroying ponds or other water bodies.

	= Great crested newts and development proposals =		= Great crested newts and development proposals =

	If it is considered that great crested newts could be affected by a development, further surveys by an ecologist may be necessary. It is usually necessary to check for great crested newts if:		If it is considered that great crested newts could be affected by a development, further surveys by an ecologist may be necessary. It is usually necessary to check for great crested newts if:
−	*There are historical records of newts within the land, or close to the land proposed for development.	+
−	*There is a waterbody within 500m of the application site boundary.	+	* There are historical records of newts within the land, or close to the land proposed for development.
		+	* There is a waterbody within 500m of the application site boundary.

	The first stage of a survey is likely to determine the habitat suitability index score. This will help assess how likely it is that great crested newts will use the site. If this score finds that newts may be present, a more detailed set of surveys will be required. It is only generally possible to undertake newt surveys in waterbodies between mid-March and early June and between four and six visits will be required during that time.		The first stage of a survey is likely to determine the habitat suitability index score. This will help assess how likely it is that great crested newts will use the site. If this score finds that newts may be present, a more detailed set of surveys will be required. It is only generally possible to undertake newt surveys in waterbodies between mid-March and early June and between four and six visits will be required during that time.
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	A local conservation plan will be prepared that will identify areas where development will have the least impact and specify where new habitats will be created, so that when development results in habitat loss, the habitat gains will already be in place to compensate. Ref [http://www.woking.gov.uk/news?item=000055DAD6D5.C0A801BA.00001869.0016 Woking Borough Council 24 August 2015].		A local conservation plan will be prepared that will identify areas where development will have the least impact and specify where new habitats will be created, so that when development results in habitat loss, the habitat gains will already be in place to compensate. Ref [http://www.woking.gov.uk/news?item=000055DAD6D5.C0A801BA.00001869.0016 Woking Borough Council 24 August 2015].
		+
		+	Woking borough council has been looking at the impact on newts at the same time as planning permission, removing the need for expensive surveys prior to building works and individual licences to disturb newts if they are present.
		+
		+	The three-year programme aims to survey areas where newts are most prevalent and map the potential impacts on development. Their habitats will be enhanced or created prior to any development taking place – saving developers time and money.
		+
		+	= Updates =
		+
		+	According to a February 2017 report by the Financial Times, EU laws protecting Britain’s great crested newts could be repealed to help speed up developments.
		+
		+	The FT said it has been told by government figures that the EU Habitats Directive is among measures set to be repealed, citing the 'excessive' protection as a reason to change the law.
		+
		+	Removing the EU protection, which covers all 28 member states with a single standard, is expected to aid developers wishing to build on newt habitats, although certain protections would still exist in UK law.
		+
		+	The government’s Housing White Paper, published in February 2017, highlighted the fact that the species can stall urgent house building projects and increase costs.
		+
		+	Meanwhile, Natural England has been piloting a new approach to dealing with the protection of the species. Initially trialled with Woking borough council in Surrey, the new scheme is set to be rolled out across the country (see more information above).
		+
		+	Housing and planning minister Gavin Barwell said:
		+
		+	“This new approach to managing great crested newts will not only ensure the continued protection of this rare species and its habitat, but will safeguard developers from the delays, costs and uncertainty which have so often restricted the job of building new homes.”

	= Find out more =		= Find out more =

	=== Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki. ===		=== Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki. ===
−	*Biodiversity offsetting.	+
−	*Ecological Impact Assessment EcIA	+	* Biodiversity offsetting.
−	*Ecological survey.	+	* Ecological Impact Assessment EcIA
−	*Ecologist.	+	* Ecological survey.
−	*Eco-Management and Audit Scheme.	+	* Ecologist.
−	*Environmental impact assessment.	+	* Eco-Management and Audit Scheme.
−	*Environmental plan.	+	* Environmental impact assessment.
−	*Environmental policy.	+	* Environmental plan.
−	*National nature reserves.	+	* Environmental policy.
−	*Natural England.	+	* National nature reserves.
−	*Preliminary ecological appraisal.	+	* Natural England.
−	*Protected species	+	* Preliminary ecological appraisal.
−	*Protected species licence.	+	* Protected species
		+	* Protected species licence.

	=== External references ===		=== External references ===
−	*[http://www.froglife.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/GCN-Conservation-Handbook_compressed.pdf Great crested newt Conservation Handbook].
−	*[https://www.gov.uk/great-crested-newts-protection-surveys-and-licences#standards-for-surveys-and-mitigation-plans Great crested newts: Protection, Surveys & Licences].
−	*[http://www.arguk.org/advice-and-guidance/view-category?dir=ASC&limit=50&limitstart=0&order=date Habitat suitability index note.]
−	*[https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/natural-england Natural England].
−	*[http://www.snh.gov.uk/protecting-scotlands-nature/species-licensing/european-species-licensing/ Scottish Natural Heritage].

−	[[Category:Other_legislation]]	+	* [http://www.froglife.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/GCN-Conservation-Handbook_compressed.pdf Great crested newt Conservation Handbook].
−	[[Category:Sustainability]]	+	* [https://www.gov.uk/great-crested-newts-protection-surveys-and-licences#standards-for-surveys-and-mitigation-plans Great crested newts: Protection, Surveys & Licences].
		+	* [http://www.arguk.org/advice-and-guidance/view-category?dir=ASC&limit=50&limitstart=0&order=date Habitat suitability index note.]
		+	* [https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/natural-england Natural England].
		+	* [http://www.snh.gov.uk/protecting-scotlands-nature/species-licensing/european-species-licensing/ Scottish Natural Heritage].
		+
		+	[[Category:Other_legislation]] [[Category:Sustainability]]

Designing Buildings at 13:28, 28 September 2015

2015-09-28T13:28:53Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:28, 28 September 2015
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	The first stage of a survey is likely to determine the habitat suitability index score. This will help assess how likely it is that great crested newts will use the site. If this score finds that newts may be present, a more detailed set of surveys will be required. It is only generally possible to undertake newt surveys in waterbodies between mid-March and early June and between four and six visits will be required during that time.		The first stage of a survey is likely to determine the habitat suitability index score. This will help assess how likely it is that great crested newts will use the site. If this score finds that newts may be present, a more detailed set of surveys will be required. It is only generally possible to undertake newt surveys in waterbodies between mid-March and early June and between four and six visits will be required during that time.

−	If great crested newts are found to be present and are considered likely to be affected by the proposals, it may be necessary to obtain a protected species licence from Natural England, ~~[http://naturalresourceswales.gov.uk/apply-and-buy/european-protected-species-licensing/great-crested-newt-licensing/?lang=en~~ Natural Resources Wales] or ~~[http://www.snh.gov.uk/protecting-scotlands-nature/species-licensing/european-species-licensing/~~ Scottish Natural Heritage] in advance of works taking place. As part of the licence, a mitigation strategy will be required which will detail how impacts on newts and their habitats will be avoided or minimised wherever possible.	+	If great crested newts are found to be present and are considered likely to be affected by the proposals, it may be necessary to obtain a protected species licence from Natural England, Natural Resources Wales or Scottish Natural Heritage in advance of works taking place. As part of the licence, a mitigation strategy will be required which will detail how impacts on newts and their habitats will be avoided or minimised wherever possible.

	= Alternative approach =		= Alternative approach =
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	*[http://www.arguk.org/advice-and-guidance/view-category?dir=ASC&limit=50&limitstart=0&order=date Habitat suitability index note.]		*[http://www.arguk.org/advice-and-guidance/view-category?dir=ASC&limit=50&limitstart=0&order=date Habitat suitability index note.]
	*[https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/natural-england Natural England].		*[https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/natural-england Natural England].
−	*[http://naturalresourceswales.gov.uk/apply-and-buy/european-protected-species-licensing/great-crested-newt-licensing/?lang=en Natural Resources Wales].
	*[http://www.snh.gov.uk/protecting-scotlands-nature/species-licensing/european-species-licensing/ Scottish Natural Heritage].		*[http://www.snh.gov.uk/protecting-scotlands-nature/species-licensing/european-species-licensing/ Scottish Natural Heritage].

	[[Category:Other_legislation]]		[[Category:Other_legislation]]
	[[Category:Sustainability]]		[[Category:Sustainability]]