Suffolk’s Priority Habitats
We aim to provide practical and useful information on priority habitats in Suffolk. Species are listed under each of the priority habitats in which they are likely to occur.
Species may also be found in undesignated habitats. At the bottom of the page are brief descriptions of some of the widespread habitats in Suffolk and examples of some characteristic priority species.
Background
All public bodies have a statutory duty to have regard to the conservation of biodiversity, as set out in the Natural Environment and Rural Communities (NERC) Act 2006 s.40. Find out more on the Government’s Legislation website. Section 41 of the Act is the list of priority species and habitats (referred to in the Act as ‘living organisms and types of habitat which are of principal importance for the purpose of conserving biodiversity’ (in England')). These are also referred to as ‘UK Biodiversity Action Plan’ or ‘BAP’ species and habitats. There are over 302 priority species and 25 priority habitats in Suffolk. Find out more on the JNCC website.
Priority Species checklist
By clicking on the priority habitat below, you can see which priority species are associated with that habitat.
Please note that the lists provide guidance only. For further information on Suffolk species and habitats contact Suffolk Biodiversity Information Service.
Species marked (Suffolk priority species) are not national priority species, but are special to Suffolk. For example, East Anglia is the UK stronghold for the Little Tern, supporting almost half of the UK population. So Suffolk has an important role to play in protecting this charismatic species.
Priority Habitats
