Rushmoor Biodiversity Action Plan - Hampshire County Council

8Biodiversity Action Plan 20082 Protecting Biodiversity2.2.1 Thames Basin Heaths Special Protection Area (SPA)The highest level of protection is awarded to areas of international importance, these areas are knownas Special Protection Areas (SPAs) or Special Areas of Conservation (SAC). Areas designated underEuropean law represent the best examples of habitats that are severely restricted throughout Europeor areas that support internationally rare species. Part of the Thames Basin Heaths SPA falls withinRushmoor’s boundary.Thames Basin Heaths Special Protection Area (SPA)The Thames Basin Heaths SPA was designated in 2005 under the EC Birds Directive and covers atotal area of 8,284 hectares across land in Hampshire, Surrey and Berkshire. The areas in Rushmoorare one part of this ecosystem and over the coming years it will be important for all those involved intheir maintenance to work together to ensure the heaths are restored and maintained to favourablecondition for the wildlife they support.Areas of heathland have been designated because their habitats support breeding populations ofwoodlark, nightjar and Dartford warbler. All three birds are listed in Annex 1 of the Birds Directive andas such these areas are covered by strict legislation. Parts of the important heaths conifer plantationslie within Rushmoor and in adjacent countryside in other boroughs and districts.Map 1 Map showing land designatedas Thames Basin Heath SpecialProtection Area