Habitats and species - Brexit Q&A

You can use the menu on the right hand side of the screen to skip between questions. Last updated on 12 Sept 2019.

The content on this site is correct as of today's date and is based on the information available at this time. Regular updates will be made as the Brexit process develops. Please continue to check back for updates.

Will habitats and species be provided with the same protections as current EU law?

Yes, the level of protection to our habitats and species in the wider countryside and in our protected areas remains unchanged. The Conservation (Natural Habitats, etc.) (Amendment) (NI) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 limits changes, only to those needed, to ensure our legislation continues to operate effectively from 1 January 2021. Special Protection Areas (SPAs) and Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) will become part of the UK national site network. There is no practical difference to these designated sites, and the requirements of those that manage them or make decisions related to them, remains the same. They will continue to be referred to as European sites.

How will our designated sites continue to be protected and managed?

DAERA has a duty to have regard to the requirement to maintain conservation measures so that: the habitats within the National Site Network sites do not deteriorate; conservation objectives for each European site are met; and the species for which these sites have been designated are not significantly disturbed.

All stakeholders, such as competent authorities are advised that the duties they held prior to the 1 January 2021 with regards to SPAs and SACs have not changed.

Further information can be found here: Biodiversity | Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (daera-ni.gov.uk)