Natura 2000

The European Union's nature conservation policy is defined in two principle pieces of legislation the Habit ats Directive and the Birds Directive. At the centre of this policy is "Natura 2000", a coherent network of protected areas across the EU. This is made up of Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) under the Habitats Directive and Special Protection Areas ( SPAs) under the Birds Directive. There are 90 SACs and 20 SPAs in Wales (of which 6 SACs and 3 SPAs occur in Anglesey) though some of these (e.g. Glannau Ynys Gybi / Holy Island Coast SAC & SPA) overlap in whole or in part.

In the UK The Conservation (Natural Habitats, & c.) Regulations 1994 implement the European Union Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992) on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora. The Regulations introduce stringent requirements for the conservation of Special Areas of Conservation and Special Protection Areas.