Definition of Favourable Conservation Status for Grey long-eared bat, Plecotus austriacus (RP2953)

This document sets out Natural England’s view on the contribution England needs to make to achieve Favourable Conservation Status (FCS) for Grey long-eared bat, Plecotus austriacus.
The England contribution is defined in terms of three parameters: the natural range and distribution of the species; population of the species; extent of habitat necessary for long-term maintenance of populations.
Section 2 provides the summary definition of the England contribution to FCS. Sections 3 – 6 describe the evidence considered when defining FCS for each of the three parameters. Annex 1 lists the references and Annex 2 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 or maintain FCS. These will be presented separately, for example within restoration strategies.
Defining Favourable Conservation Status in England describes the Natural England approach to defining the England contribution and lists the key information sources used to produce this definition