It is the fullest list of species of importance in the UK that has been published as a single list, and will be of use and value in assessing importance from now on. It contains some species which may have been regarded as common, such as the song thrush, bullfinch and brown hare. The rest of the near-1000 species will be monitored, where possible. However, some of the EU Directive types are not listed as key habitats, e.g. oligotrophic lakes and species-rich Nardus grasslands. Key habitats which feature in the Biodiversity document but not in the Habitats Directive include Ancient Hedgerows, lowland wood pastures and parks, and cereal field margins.
Some key habitats have large numbers too.
Those that have been prepared, e.g. for lowland heaths and for chalk rivers, have already been useful as a summary of the status of the habitat, the most important issues affecting it and the targets and requirements. National HAPs will be championed by the statutory agencies. There is a UK Advisory Group to recommend standards and good practice in their preparation. A main function of Local BAPs is to ensure that national targets in the national Habitat and Species Action Plans are taken forward and met. They will also provide the biodiversity element of Agenda 21, and will promote species and habitats characteristic of local areas.