1. Introduction
1.1 One of the special functions
of the three country agencies (Countryside Council for Wales,
English Nature and Scottish Natural Heritage) is the establishment
of common standards throughout Great Britain for the monitoring of
nature conservation. This information note describes the basic
standards which relate to the monitoring required on statutory
sites. The standards have been developed by these agencies,
together with the Environment and Heritage Service in Northern
Ireland and have been agreed by the Joint Nature Conservation
Committee.
1.2 The standards apply to
statutory sites designated as Sites of Special Scientific Interest
(SSSIs) and Areas of Special Scientific Interest (ASSIs). They will
also apply to areas designated as part of the Natura 2000 series,
(Special Protection Areas (SPAs) under the EC Birds Directive and
Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) under the EC Habitats
Directive), together with Ramsar sites designated under the
Convention on Wetlands of International Importance.
1.3 The standards set out below
provide the basic framework required to ensure consistent
monitoring throughout the UK. A glossary of the terms associated
with common standards monitoring is provided in Annex I. Further
guidelines are being produced by the country agencies to assist
with the practical interpretation and application of these
standards. Once agreed they will be published by the Joint Nature
Conservation Committee. The detailed implementation of the
standards is the responsibility of the individual country
agencies.