This includes the designation of SPAs. This is designed to protect wild birds, and to provide sufficient diversity of habitats for all species so as to maintain populations at an ecologically sound level.
Legal implementation is by three mechanisms.
The European Commission can investigate complaints of breach of the Directive. This Directive had much influence on the Wildlife and Countryside Act and many of its requirements are included in that legislation. There are 87 proposed or designated SPAs in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. All SPA are also SSSIs or ASSIs .