HEL have considerable experience of providing special studies as part of Appropriate Assessment for European Sites (Natura 2000 Sites) designated as a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) or Special Protection Area (SPA) that may be subject to likely significant effects by proposed development.

The Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) Regulations 1994 as amended require that where an authority concludes that a development proposal unconnected with the nature conservation management of a Natura 2000 site is likely to have a significant effect on the site, it must undertake an Appropriate Assessment of the implications for the conservation interests for which the area has been designated. The need for Appropriate Assessment extends to plans or projects within and outwith the boundaries of European Sites, in order to determine their implications of the qualifying features for which the sites are designated.

At Heritage Environmental Ltd we have completed a range of special studies as part of Appropriate Assessment, including vegetation, protected mammals and bird surveys and assessments for European sites throughout Scotland.