The practicalities of the management of European Protected Species in a woodland situation

Woodland owners and managers are mostly aware of the guidelines and various regulations that surround European Protected Species however there are still questions that need to be addressed:

• How will an incident of accidental disturbance be policed?
• How can we communicate the message that judicious forest management provides greater benefit than harm?
• How best can we mitigate the responsibilities being thrust upon us?

The day will encourage discussion on the actual practicalities of managing multiple species on site according to the individual best practice guidelines.  Contributors will include:

• Phil Argyle (agent for Cleobury Mortimer Woodland) will give an overview of the understanding and responsibilities of the landowner, what site surveys have been done and how this is built into the long-term management plan and operations.
• Forestry Commission will give an overview of the requirements for identifying EPS presence and woodland management within good practice, and protected species licensing when good practice can’t be used, from the regulator.
• Sonia Reveley (Bat Conservation Trust) will give an overview of the requirements for a bat survey.
• Natalie Lowe (West Mercia Police) will give an overview of the requirements for EPS protection from the prosecutor.

There may be a small administrational charge.

If you are not a Confor member and would like to attend please contact: caroline@confor.org.uk

For information on how to protect wildlife and habitats and apply for wildlife licences so you can legally operate in woodlands and forests see here.