Recreational Disturbance Research Articles

Recreational use of urban and suburban forests affects plant diversity in a Western Siberian city

The recreational use of urban forests is a highly valued service. However, strong recreational pressure may contribute to the loss of biodiversity in forests. This study assessed the frequency of visitors and their characteristics in 14 urban and 11 suburban forests in the rapidly expanding city of Pavlodar, Kazakhstan, in Western Siberia. Furthermore, the effects of recreation disturbance (trampling, damage to ground vegetation and damage to trees and shrubs) and other human-mediated disturbances (waste deposits, soil disturbance, etc.) on both the vegetation and plant characteristics of urban and suburban forests were quantified. In Pavlodar, urban forests are poorly managed, motivating the people to spend their sparetime in the more distant suburban forests. Urban and suburban forests did not differ in visitor frequency during the summer season (July–September). However, the two forest types differed in the age structure and group size of visitors as well as in the activities of visitors. Urban forests were more frequently visited by younger people for walking, sports, sitting and talking, and playing with children, while suburban forests were often visited by older people for picnicking, fishing and gathering mushrooms. In urban forests, total plant species richness was reduced by recreation disturbance. Urban forests also harboured a large proportion of alien plant species (0.42; in suburban forests 0.24). Neither recreation disturbance nor other human-mediated disturbance affected plant species richness in suburban forests, while both disturbance types enhanced the colonization success of alien species. Alterations in plant life forms can be considered as an indicator of changes in ecosystem function. In suburban forests, recreation disturbance caused a decline of geophytes and an increase of therophytes. We recommended various management actions to improve the recreation value of degraded urban forests in this Western Siberian city.

Breeding success of a subtropical Little Tern, Sternula albifrons sinensis, colony

Monitoring of breeding success is important for the effective management of beach-nesting shorebirds, which are vulnerable to impacts of human recreational disturbance and predation by introduced or superabundant native predators. We examined the breeding success of a recently established nesting colony of Little Tern (Sternula albifrons sinensis) on a coastal sandspit in south-east Queensland that is exposed to increasing human recreational use but limited management. Nesting success averaged 36% (15–51%) over 3 years, with sand burial and tidal flooding responsible for most clutch mortality. Annual chick survival from hatching to fledging averaged 41% (26–67%), and annual productivity averaged 0.66 fledglings per pair (0.31-1.24). Annual productivity was lower than at intensively managed Little Tern nesting colonies in New South Wales and Victoria; however, with minimum annual productivity required to maintain a stable population estimated at ~0.50 fledglings per pair, the population is expected to be increasing.

Basking Western Pond Turtle Response to Recreational Trail Use in Urban California

Abstract The presence of human activity near freshwater turtle habitat can have a negative impact on a range of turtle behaviors. We assessed whether human use of a recreational trail had an effect on basking behavior of western pond turtles (Actinemys marmorata) by observing individuals basking while we monitored recreational disturbances. Based on our results, we suggest limiting the number or times of operation of motor vehicle traffic adjacent to western pond turtle habitat to restrict impacts on basking behavior.

Forest visitor perceptions of recreational impacts on amphibian wildlife

Recreational activities have become a major use of forests but have also been widely cast as having a negative impact on wildlife and related nature conservation. Natural science analyses dominate the study of the relationship between recreation and wildlife, and yet, there are also critical social scientific dimensions. These include understanding the beliefs that recreationists hold regarding how their activities impact on wild species and their habitats. These beliefs are important because individual understandings of the consequences of behaviours are closely related to how they behave in practice. This paper presents a study of the perceptions of forest visitors concerning recreational impacts on amphibians, such as the great crested newt (Triturus cristatus). Amphibians have been neglected in the recreational disturbance literature despite posing some of the most substantial conservation challenges. In this study, data generated by a face-to-face survey of visitors at two forest sites in Scotland reveals that nearly half of recreationists surveyed did not believe that their activities had much impact on amphibians but pointed to other activities as being responsible for any potential issues. Recreationists who visit forests the most felt that they had the least impact. Despite this, management methods to reduce recreational disturbance are broadly supported. Respondents also indicated that they favoured forms of communication such as codes of conduct and educational programmes, as ways to raise awareness and learn about this issue. We conclude by reflecting on the implications of our results for forest managers who may wish to engage visitors and minimise the disturbance of wildlife.

Recreational trails reduce the density of ground-dwelling birds in protected areas.

Recreational disturbance associated with trails has been identified as one of the major factors causing a decline of native biodiversity within protected areas. However, despite the negative impacts that recreation can have on biodiversity, providing public access to nature is critical for the future of the conservation of biodiversity. As such, many protected area managers are looking for tools to help maintain a balance between public access and biodiversity conservation. The objectives of this study were to examine the impacts of recreational trails on forest-dwelling bird communities in eastern North America, identify functional guilds which are particularly sensitive to recreational trails, and derive guidelines for trail design to assist in managing the impacts of recreational trails on forest-dwelling birds. Trails within 24 publicly owned natural areas were mapped, and breeding bird communities were described with the use of point count surveys. The density of forest birds, particularly of those species which nest or forage on the ground, were significantly positively influenced by the amount of trail-free refuge habitat. Although management options to control trail use in non-staffed protected areas are limited, this study suggests that protected area managers could design and maintain a trail network that would minimize impacts on resident wildlife, while providing recreational opportunities for visitors, by designing their trail network to maximize the area of trail-free habitat.

Simulating the responses of forest bird species to multi-use recreational trails

Although non-consumptive recreation can promote wildlife preservation and add socio-economic value to parks and nature reserves, such activities can have negative implications for wildlife. For sensitive species, recreation can lead to displacement, influence breeding success and reduce survival. Thus managing recreational activities by regulating visitor access, densities and frequency can effectively reduce human–wildlife interactions. In many instances, simulation modeling has been used as a management tool, as it allows the user to explore the impact of alternative park designs and management strategies on wildlife in a risk-free environment. Such exercises tend to focus on single species, generally a species of conservation concern, on which management decisions are based. As an alternative approach, we used a modeling simulation to compare the disturbance caused by different trail designs, trail use rates and the management of invasive vegetation (i.e., removal) on a forest community of breeding birds at a state park in Indiana, USA. Our multi-species approach revealed that an appropriate trail design for one species was not necessarily appropriate for another, even among species of concern. We therefore caution that management based on a single high profile species could have far-reaching implications on the local community. We also found that invasive vegetation removal did not have a cumulative influence on the recreational disturbance experienced by birds. This study demonstrates that by identifying and comparing the differences between individual species within a community, we gain valuable insights that can be used devise more resilient long-term management strategies that aim to preserve biodiversity.

Out of sight but not out of harm’s way: Human disturbance reduces reproductive success of a cavity-nesting seabird

While negative effects of human disturbance on animals living above the ground have been widely reported, few studies have considered effects on animals occupying cavities or burrows underground. It is generally assumed that, in the absence of direct visual contact, such species are less vulnerable to disturbance. Seabird colonies can support large populations of burrow- and cavity-nesting species and attract increasing numbers of tourists. We investigated the potential effects of recreational disturbance on the reproductive behaviour of the European storm petrel Hydrobates pelagicus, a nocturnally-active cavity-nesting seabird. Reproductive phenology and outcome of nests subject to high and low levels of visitor pressure were recorded in two consecutive years. Hatching success did not differ between disturbance levels, but overall nestling mortality was significantly higher in areas exposed to high visitor pressure. Although visitor numbers were consistent throughout the season, the magnitude and rate of a seasonal decline in productivity were significantly greater in nests subject to high disturbance. This study presents good evidence that, even when humans do not pose a direct mortality risk, animals may perceive them as a predation risk. This has implications for the conservation and management of a diverse range of burrow- and cavity-dwelling animals. Despite this reduction in individual fitness, overall colony productivity was reduced by ⩽1.6% compared with that expected in the absence of visitors. While the colony-level consequences at the site in question may be considered minor, conservation managers must evaluate the trade-off between potential costs and benefits of public access on a site- and species-specific basis.

Impact of Human Recreational Disturbances on the Distribution of Avifauna in the Sinhararja Forest Reserve, Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka’s protected areas are increasingly becoming prime tourism destinations for bothinternational and domestic tourists. Ironically, most nature-based tourism activities areconcentrated on few well-known National Parks and Forest Reserves in the country. As aresult, these sites are continuously subjected to increased visitor pressure. Conservationistsfrequently cite human recreational disturbances of wildlife as one of the key issues inbiodiversity conservation, especially in protected areas open for public visitation. Behaviourof birds has been found to be often influenced by human recreational activities; yet scientificevidences to assess the degree of this threat are limited in literature, especially in the SriLankan context.This study investigated the effects of human recreational disturbances on the distribution of39 species of birds along a highly visited nature trail in Sinhararja World Heritage Forest, SriLanka, from May to November, 2013. The study employed eighteen 25 m fixed-radius pointcounts laid perpendicular to the nature trail (six counts along the nature trail, and six countseach100m and 200 m perpendicular to the trail). Each point count was visited at least 18times during the study period at different times of the day. Point counts recorded 37 breedingresident species of which 17 were endemic, while there were two migrant species. Humanrecreational disturbances were defined in terms of visitor group size (visual disturbance) andtheir relative noise level (noise disturbance). Accordingly, four disturbance levels (no humandisturbance, low human disturbance, medium human disturbance and high humandisturbance) were derived using a two-step clustering procedure. The relationship betweendisturbance levels and abundance of birds was statistically testedResults revealed a significant negative correlation between visitor numbers and abundance ofbirds in point counts on the trail (Spearman's rho = -0.20, p=0.045), and a significantpositive correlation between the same variables in plots 200m away from the trail at 0.05significance level (Spearman's rho = 0.19, p=0.049). This in general, suggests a possibleavoidance of edge habitats by birds at the human presence and flushing into the forest.Regardless of the disturbance type, mean number of birds recorded was highest in plots onthe trail (mean =14.20 ± SD or SE 1.98) followed by plots 200 m away from the trail (mean=10.11± SD or SE 2.00). Null hypothesis of “bird counts at various distances from the trailare independent of disturbance levels” was tested using Chi-square test for each species. Outof 22 species with sufficient data available for analysis, Ashy-headed laughing thrush(Garrulax cinereifrons) found to shift away from the trail as disturbance levels increased (χ2-=6.41, p=0.041). For the most species recorded in the study, non-significance for Chi-squaretest suggests that these species may have become habituated to low-intensity and predictablehuman recreational disturbances.

Flight responses of blue sheep in Ningxia Helan Mountain National Nature Reserve

Ecotourism and off-road recreational disturbances can be threats to wildlife inhabiting protected areas. Here we investigate flight response patterns in blue sheep (Pseudois nayaur) inhabiting the Ningxia Helan Mountain National Nature Reserve, China. We found that flight initiation distance (distance at which animals begun fleeing a slowly approaching human) and final flight distance (distance at which the blue sheep stopped fleeing) varied across the reserve and was a function of the level of tourism in each focal area. In areas of heavy ecotourism, blue sheep allowed humans to approach closer, fled at a slower speed and did not flee as far compared to sheep inhabiting areas with less intense ecotourism. Flight initiation distance did not vary seasonally but final flight distance did. There was no group size effect on the flight responses. Both flight initiation distance and final flight distance were negatively correlated with the number of daily tourists, and positively correlated with the distance to anthropogenic constructions such as houses and roads. Blue sheep appear to have remained in areas with large anthropogenic disturbances because of abundant water, and have habituated to the presence of tourists in areas of heavy ecotourism. Moderate ecotourism may not cause blue sheep population decline.

Exploring the implications of recreational disturbance on an endangered butterfly using a novel modelling approach

Site and wildlife managers globally are under increasing pressure to implement management strategies that address the negative implications of outdoor recreational activities on wildlife. For many rare and isolated species any anthropogenic activities that cause disturbance could potentially be detrimental to existing populations. Understanding how non-consumptive recreation can influence a species may therefore be critical to its preservation. We developed a novel approach to specifically address this need. Using a combination of field surveys and simulation modelling exercises, we (1) explored the responses of endangered Karner blue butterflies (Lycaeides melissa samuelis) to recreation, (2) assessed whether such responses influenced oviposition rate and/or host plant choice and (3) tested alternative management strategies that could alleviate the negative impacts of recreation. Our field surveys confirmed that Karner blues were sensitive to recreational disturbance. Butterflies flushed at similar speeds and distances from recreationists (2.2 m at 0.17 m/s), as they would from natural threats, such as predators (2.2 m at 0.19 m/s). Incorporating female response parameters into a simulation model revealed that regular disturbance could reduce egg laying potential and significantly restrict host plant choice, which in turn, could impact the butterfly’s population dynamics. However, we established that it was possible to effectively offset the implications of recreational disturbance using our simulation modelling approach. For example, extending Karner blue breeding habitat from trails and other public rights of way has the potential to alleviate such disturbance. Our study demonstrates that the potential impact of recreation on species of conservation concern should not be overlooked.

Behavioral responses of blue sheep (Pseudois nayaur) to nonlethal human recreational disturbance

Nonlethal human recreational activities have been confirmed to have negative effect on wild animals in a number of ways, including changes in behaviors, avoidance of suitable habitats and declines in breeding success. Studies on the anti-disturbance mechanism of wild animals to human disturbance can provide valuable knowledge to the management of wild animals and the evolutionary mechanisms of behavioral adaptation to their habitats. To evaluate how blue sheep (Pseudois nayaur) would react to nonlethal human recreational disturbance, we studied their anti-disturbance strategy towards human disturbance in Suyukou National Forest Park (SNFP), Helan Mountains, Yinchuan of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. Using multinomial logistic regression models (MLRMs), we sought to answer two questions: (1) which kind of human recreational behavior would evoke the most serious anti-disturbance behaviors in blue sheep; and (2) how would various ecological factors influence the anti-disturbance strategy of blue sheep to human recreational disturbance? We collected 10 habitat and population variables and evaluated three kinds of reaction of blue sheep-no response, vigilance and flight. A total of 921 observations qualified to enter MLRMs. We found that habitat type (HT), gender (GEN), head direction (HD), visibility index (VI), and disturbance source (DS) were the five variables that significantly influenced the intensity of reactions of blue sheep. Blue sheep were more alert to tourists than to vehicles, and roads were the habitat type that caused the most intensive reaction of alertness where human disturbance was the highest. Females were more vigilant than males. Blue sheep might feel safer when staying in open habitat, and taking a front head direction provided them with the highest vigilance. Based on these results, we present suggestions to SNFP for the management of ecotourism and blue sheep conservation.

Recreationist behaviour in forests and the disturbance of wildlife

Forests are popular locations for outdoor recreation and there is considerable evidence highlighting the positive social impacts of these activities. There is also a body of research outlining the range of potentially negative impacts of recreation on wildlife and habitats. This paper provides a summary of current social and natural scientific knowledge on disturbance caused by walking, cycling, mountain biking, horse riding, off-road vehicles use, camping, and some other recreational activities in forests. We identify more than 40 ecological studies of recreational impacts on forests. Greatest attention has been directed towards walking as an activity and the impacts upon birds, soils and flora although long-term ecological studies of wildlife or habitat disturbance are scarce. Impacts include trampling by foot, hoof and tyre, animal behaviour change and the spread of pests and pathogens. Considerably less work has been carried out on the social dimensions of recreational disturbance. In this article the authors draw on behaviour theory in an attempt to identify the key factors influencing human behaviour in the context of recreational disturbance. Cognitive theories highlight the importance of attitudes and behavioural control, whilst social practice theories emphasise the impact of behavioural routines and contexts. Management actions may be better targeted at promoting alternative behaviours rather than trying to prevent current ‘problem’ behaviours. We advocate greater engagement with these theories to better integrate social science with ecological studies, and improve understanding and management of interactions between recreation needs and conservation.

Effects of recreational disturbance on tidal wetlands: supporting the importance of undisturbed roosting sites for waterbird conservation

In coastal wetlands, the increasing level of disturbance from recreational activities could threaten waterbird populations, which overall are showing decreasing trends. Despite the crucial contribution of waterbirds to biodiversity, empirical studies measuring the effects of disturbance on them remain scarce, especially in terms of the impact upon their roosting sites. We developed an experimental treatment to measure the effects of a pedestrian walking on a site used by overwintering waterbirds in a wetland of international importance. We registered 156 events (88 at high tide) of flushing birds, totaling 4,018 individuals. Each treatment drove the flushing of 1–5 % of the wintering populations of nearly all species present during high tide. In addition, 1.5 % of the Eurasian curlew wintering population was driven to change site. All the effects were found to be reduced during other tidal periods. Therefore, allowing recreational use in a previously undisturbed area can systematically increase daily energy expenditure of significant percentages of different waterbird populations during high tide, and even cause birds to avoid a site completely. These effects will probably be even worse given that our results were derived only from a disturbance source of low magnitude and frequency. We recommend that, prior to developing recreational areas close to the shoreline, coastal wetland managers should study the habitat use of waterbirds during high tide in relation to total waterbird populations using the wetland.

The Effect of Trails on Soil in the Oak Openings of Northwest Ohio

Trails are a form of recreational disturbance affecting natural areas. Trail disturbances can cause soil degradation such as compaction, which facilitates soil erosion and overland water flow. This study analyzed the effects of four different types of trails—paved, gravel, equestrian, and hiking—on soils in the Oak Openings of Northwest Ohio, a globally rare ecosystem that harbors more than a third of Ohio's rare plant species. Bulk density and soil moisture content were measured in order to determine physical impacts of trails. Soil pH, ammonium, nitrate, phosphate, and dissolved organic C and N concentrations were measured to determine effects on soil chemistry. Finally, soil microbial biomass and exoenzyme activities were measured to determine biological responses to trail disturbances. Soils from the gravel trail were the most affected by the trail, with significant effects on chemical (PO43-concentration) and biological (phosphatase and NAG activity, and MB-N) properties. The soils near the paved trail were the second most affected after the gravel trail, with a trend toward a pH change and a significant biological (microbial peptidase activity) effect of this trail. The soils of the horse and natural trails were generally not significantly different from the soils in the surrounding ecosystem. The only significant disturbance in the horse trail was increased bulk density in the trail, while the natural hiking trail had no statistically significant differences, but trends lean toward increased bulk density and reduced microbial phosphatase activity. These results suggest that the natural and horse trails have the least impact on the Oak Openings ecosystem.

Use of island and mainland shorelines by woodland caribou during the nursery period in two northern Ontario parks

Predation is considered a primary limiting factor of woodland caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou) populations across North America. Caribou are especially vulnerable to predation during their first few weeks of life and have evolved space-use strategies to reduce predation risk through habitat selection during the critical calving and nursery period. We assessed landscape-scale physical characteristics and landcover types associated with caribou nursery sites in Wabakimi and Woodland Caribou Provincial Parks in northern Ontario to better understand nursery site selection in relatively undisturbed landscapes. Although free from industrial activity, these protected areas may subject caribou to human recreational disturbance, so our secondary objective was to evaluate female caribou nursery site selection relative to human recreational activities. We determined that parturient caribou selected landscape characteristics at multiple spatial scales that may reduce predation risk during the calving and nursery period. Generally, female caribou in both parks selected larger lakes with larger than average sized islands configured within shorter than average distances to other islands or landforms that might facilitate escape from predators. The majority of caribou nursery areas in both parks occurred on islands rather than the mainland shoreline of lakes that were surveyed. The nearest landform for escape from these nursery sites on islands was typically another island, and most often 2-3 islands, suggesting parturient caribou may choose islands clustered together as part of their escape strategy. In Woodland Caribou Provincial Park, caribou nursery sites occurred more often in coniferous landcover than expected from availability, while in Wabakimi Provincial Park caribou used sparse, mixed and coniferous forests for nursery activity. Caribou cow-calf pairs typically used areas for nursery activity that were 9.1 km (± 1.0 km, range 2.3-20.6 km) in Wabakimi Provincial Park and 10.2 km (± 0.7 km, range 0.7-32.6 km) in Woodland Caribou Provincial Park from any human recreational disturbance. These landscape-scale physical characteristics and landcover types associated with caribou nursery sites may be used to predict locations of potential caribou nursery areas both outside and within protected areas for the provision of adequate protection and to ensure the persistence of this valued species.

Modelling the responses of wildlife to human disturbance: An evaluation of alternative management scenarios for black-crowned night-herons

The impact of anthropogenic disturbance on wildlife is increasing becoming a source of concern as the popularity of outdoor recreation rises. There is now more pressure on site managers to simultaneously ensure the continued persistence of wildlife and provide recreational opportunities. Using ‘Simulation of Disturbance Activities’, a model designed to investigate the impact of recreational disturbance on wildlife, we demonstrate how a simulation modelling approach can effectively inform such management decisions. As an example, we explored the implications of various design and management options for a proposed recreational area containing a historic breeding bird colony. By manipulating the proximity, orientation and intensity of recreation, we were able to evaluate the impact of recreational activities on the behaviour of black-crowned night-heron nestlings ( Nycticorax nycticorax). Using a classification and regression tree (CART) procedure to analyse simulation output, we explored the dynamics of multiple strategies in concert. Our analysis revealed that there are inherent advantages in implementing multiple strategies as opposed to any single strategy. Nestlings were not disturbed by recreation when bird-watching facility placement (proximity and orientation) and type were considered in combination. In comparison, proximity alone only led to a <10% reduction in disturbance. Thus we demonstrate how simulation models based on customised empirical data can bridge the gap between field studies and active management, enabling users to test novel management scenarios that are otherwise logistically difficult. Furthermore, such models potentially have broad application in understanding human-wildlife interactions (e.g. exploring the implications of roads on wildlife, probability of bird strikes around airports, etc.). They therefore represent a valuable decision-making tool in the ecological design of urban infrastructures.

Protecting Damara Terns Sterna balaenarum from recreational disturbance in the Namib Desert increases breeding density and overall success

Because resources and funds available for the conservation management of many threatened species are limited, it is important to determine the effectiveness of different conservation measures aimed at protecting threatened species. The globally Near Threatened Damara Tern Sterna balaenarum breeds on anthropogenically disturbed beaches on the central coast of Namibia. We assessed the effectiveness of conservation measures on the breeding numbers, densities and success of Damara Terns in a loose colony among small barchan dunes on the central Namibian coast. Nests were monitored daily during the 2001/02 and 2002/03 breeding seasons. Information notices were erected during the 2001/02 breeding season and vehicle access was restricted to prevent human disturbance in the colony during the 2002/03 season. Nest numbers and density doubled in the second season, but breeding success decreased significantly from 83% to 67%. This unexpected result probably arose from increased densities attracting more predators. Despite this decrease the protection measures increased the number of chicks hatching from the area by 71%. In conjunction with two previous studies of protection from off-road vehicles we conclude that Damara Terns benefit from reduced disturbance and prefer to nest on undisturbed beaches.

Behavioral Responses of North American Elk to Recreational Activity

ABSTRACT Off‐road recreation on public lands in North America has increased dramatically in recent years. Wild ungulates are sensitive to human activities, but the effect of off‐road recreation, both motorized and nonmotorized, is poorly understood. We measured responses of elk (Cervus elaphus) to recreational disturbance in northeast Oregon, USA, from April to October, 2003 and 2004. We subjected elk to 4 types of recreational disturbance: all‐terrain vehicle (ATV) riding, mountain biking, hiking, and horseback riding. Motion sensors inside radiocollars worn by 13 female elk recorded resting, feeding, and travel activities at 5‐minute intervals throughout disturbance and control periods. Elk fed and rested during control periods, with little time spent traveling. Travel time increased in response to all 4 disturbances and was highest in mornings. Elk travel time was highest during ATV exposure, followed by exposure to mountain biking, hiking, and horseback riding. Feeding time decreased during ATV exposure and resting decreased when we subjected elk to mountain biking and hiking disturbance in 2003. Our results demonstrated that activities of elk can be substantially affected by off‐road recreation. Mitigating these effects may be appropriate where elk are a management priority. Balancing management of species like elk with off‐road recreation will become increasingly important as off‐road recreational uses continue to increase on public lands in North America.

Research and recreational disturbance of Wedge‐tailed Shearwater burrows on Rottnest Island, Western Australia: Managing human traffic in burrowing seabird colonies

Ecological Management & RestorationVolume 10, Issue 1 p. 64-71 Research and recreational disturbance of Wedge-tailed Shearwater burrows on Rottnest Island, Western Australia: Managing human traffic in burrowing seabird colonies First published: 21 April 2009 https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1442-8903.2009.00442.xCitations: 2Read the full textAboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InRedditWechat Citing Literature Volume10, Issue1April 2009Pages 64-71 RelatedInformation

Appropriate assessment of plans in England

‘Appropriate assessment’ of plans and projects is required under the European Habitats Directive. It assesses whether a plan or project, ‘in combination’, could affect the ‘integrity’ of sites of international nature conservation importance in Europe. It is very precautionary: plans or projects that could affect site integrity may not be adopted unless a series of stringent requirements—testing of alternatives, proof of overriding need, and provision of compensation—are met. Appropriate assessment of plans began to be carried out in England in early 2006. Since then, various guidance documents have been published, but there is still considerable debate about just what methodology should be used, how to test impacts on site ‘integrity’, what avoidance and mitigation measures are adequate, who should be responsible for these measures etc., and even about what the process should be called. The first legal challenges based on appropriate assessment of plans are emerging. Appropriate assessments are showing that many English plans could affect European sites, either directly through land take, or indirectly by, for instance, reducing water levels or increasing recreational disturbance. The question now is how to respond to the clash between people's aspirations for new homes and economic growth, and wildlife conservation. This article discusses the legal requirements and emerging guidance on appropriate assessment of plans in England, how it relates to strategic environmental assessment, the current status of these assessments, and emerging issues.