Definition of Favourable Conservation Status for Caves not open to the public (RP2950)

This document sets out Natural England’s view on the contribution England needs to make to achieve Favourable Conservation Status (FCS) for Caves Not Open to the Public (H8130). It is the aim of the Habitats Directive to achieve and maintain FCS. The England contribution is defined in terms of the natural range and area of the habitat and the structures and functions necessary for its long-term maintenance in England.
This section contains the summary statement of the England contribution. Sections 2 – 5 describe the evidence considered when defining FCS for each of the three parameters. Annex 1 sets out the UK and England position in the 3rd Habitats Directive report.
This document does not include any action planning, or describe actions, to achieve FCS where the habitat is not considered to be in FCS. These will be presented separately, for example within restoration strategies.
Defining the England contribution to Favourable Conservation Status describes the Natural England approach to defining the England contribution and lists the key information sources used to produce this definition.