Undertaking projects which contribute to the sustainable management of the estuary
Photography by Martin StandleyThe Humber Nature Partnership has published a number of documents, reports and links to support our members
With both in-house expertise and access to a wide range of other organisations, we are able to provide our members with:
Support in meeting the ecological requirements of legislation such as the Habitats Regulations.
Support during pre-application discussions for planning applications.
Confidential problem solving on matters involving the natural environment.
A supportive environment in which members can meet their environmental responsibilities whilst still achieving their business objectives.
A mechanism for developing funding partnerships, coordinating projects across organisations or mobilising conservation volunteers e.g. for monitoring programmes.
Areas of the marine and coastal environment which have been designated to protect species, habitats and ocean processes from human activities. Click here to see the mapped MPAs.
European Marine Sites are marine areas designated for protection under European law and The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 (as amended). It consists of Special Protection Areas (SPA) and Special Areas of Conservation (SAC). For more on the Humber Estuary EMS click here.
Special Areas of Conservation are designated under the Habitats Directive as an area supporting rare, endangered or threatened species of plant or animal (other than birds) and important habitats. SACs are protected in the UK under The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 (as amended) and The Conservation of Offshore Marine Habitats and Species Regulations 2017. To find out more on how SACs are identified click here.
Special Protection Areas are designated under the Birds Directive. These areas help guarantee the appropriate resources and habitats required to ensure the survival or viability of bird species listed under the Birds Directive. SPAs are protected in the UK under The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 (as amended) and The Conservation of Offshore Marine Habitats and Species Regulations 2017.
A formal conservation designation for a site's important features, such as plant and animal species, geological or physical features. In England, SSSIs are designated and managed by Natural England, and fall under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended). To learn more about SSSIs, click here.
Natura 2000 is the term for an ecological network of protected areas within the European Union (EU), which consists of existing SACs and SPAs. Due to Brexit, SACs and SPAs in the UK are now classified under a new national site network, so we tend not to refer to Natura 2000. To find out more about Natura 2000 click here.
The intertidal zone (also known as the foreshore) is the area that is exposed to the air at low tide and submerged at high tide, for example, the area between tide marks. This area includes many different types of habitats, from vast mudflats, steep rocky cliffs to sandy beaches.
Terrestrial means relating to or inhabiting land as opposed to sea or air.
Ensures that development has a positive impact on biodiversity, whereby developers must deliver a minimum of 10% BNG.
Areas of land or sea that occur outside of a designated boundary site (SAC, SPA), but are important for maintaining the functionality and integrity of the site. E.g. SPA bird species might use a field for roosting during high-tide, which lies outside of the SPA boundary.
SMPs are a planned approach for managing flood and coastal erosion risk around England. There are 20 different SMPs, which can be viewed here.
The loss of natural habitats or the deterioration of their quality due to anthropogenic structures e.g. flood banks. This prevents the habitat from naturally moving inland and is becoming more of an issue with climate change.
Legislation is a law or set of laws that have been approved by Parliament.
Also known as WCA. The WCA provides protection for wildlife and areas of national importance in the UK. It is broken down into four key areas:
Wildlife protection
Nature conservation, the countryside and national parks
Public rights of way
Miscellaneous provisions
Click here to view the official legislation.
Also known as Habs Regs. Concerns the designation and protection of European sites and species, applies to UK habitats and species needing conservation in Europe, regardless of whether they occur in designated sites. Click here to view the official legislation.
Also known as NERC. NERC gave the conservation of biodiversity a legal basis. It requires the public and planning authorities to consider biodiversity in their work, and for the government to further conservation of biodiversity. Click here to view the official legislation.
A marine planning system that covers nature conservation, social and economic needs. It led to the establishment of the Marine Management Organisation (MMO). Allows Marine Conservation Zones (MCZs) to be designated and places a duty on public authorities to protect MCZs. Click here to view the official legislation.
A new act released in 2021 due to the UK leaving the European Union. It's claimed to be one of the most ambitious Environment Acts to date. It is split into 5 key Environmental Principles: Integration, Prevention, Polluter Pays, Precautionary Principles and Rectification at Source. Click here to view the official legislation.
Also known as CRoW. Amends and strengthens existing legislation such as the WCA. Allows for the prosecution of certain offences, such as damaging a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). Click here to view the official legislation.
We refer to relevant authorities, organisations and businesses that work in partnership with us at HNP as members. For more information visit our members page here.
The Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS) monitors the UK's internationally important non-breeding waterbirds. These counts are carried out once a month by volunteer counters. The data is used to help ensure important areas are conserved. To learn more, including how you can become a WeBS counter, click here.
