The SPA & Ramsar (Avian) Scientific Working Group (SPAR
SWG) was established by Defra in November 2001 to provide
scientific advice on matters relating to the UK Special Protection
Area network. Matters relating to avian elements of the
Ramsar network were added to the Group's remit in January
2004.
Abernethy Forest SPA © Helen Baker,
JNCC
The SPAR SWG comprises representatives from government, the
statutory country conservation agencies and non-government
organisations from the conservation, land use and marine
sectors.
The Group was established at the same time as the
2001 UK SPA Network
Review was published. The culmination of eight years of
work, the Review is a comprehensive assessment of the status of the
UK network of SPAs in the early 1990s. Both the review process and
consultations on the SPA network have highlighted the need for
additional development of the network - this is an issue that will
be addressed by the SPAR Scientific Working Group.
The working practice of the Group is set out in its revised
Terms of
Reference, which also include an overview of the issues
identified for consideration. It normally meets three times per
year and is supported by a
provided by JNCC.
The Secertariat organises meetings, produces minutes and Annual
Reports, and maintains the membership list.
Annual Reports