Some of our best loved nature sites could be under threat.  European laws (the "Habitats Directive" and the "Birds Directive") have been in place for over two decades. On land, places like Dartmoor and Snowdonia are protected by these laws, along with many less well-known but equally special natural places. In the sea, habitats and species are protected by hardly any laws other than those of the two Directives.  It has taken a long time to get these laws working for nature - but right now these laws are in danger of being watered down by the European Commission.

In the UK some of our best-loved sites (known as Special Areas for Conservation, and Special Protection Areas for birds) are protected by the European Birds and Habitats Directives, known collectively as the Nature Directives.

These laws have been instrumental in the recovery of some iconic birds and animals.  But they are now under threat as part of a review of regulation by the European Commission, called the Regulatory Fitness and Performance Programme (REFIT). So far this process has weakened environmental laws and blocked new environmental protections. 

The wildlife protected by these laws is unique and irreplaceable.  It is crucial that the laws that require the protection and restoration of key habitats are kept intact and properly enforced across Europe.

If enough of us tell the European Commission we need to keep and enforce the laws that protect nature, they will have to listen.

Thanks to Friends of The Earth for hosting this campaign for partners in Wildlife & Countryside Link, and providing the mechanism on their page to enable you to have your say.

Please voice your opinion herehttp://www.mcsuk.org/what_we_do/Wildlife+protection/What+we+do/Threat+to+EU+nature+laws