Habitats Regulations Mitigation (RAMS)

The Suffolk Coast and Heaths is a special place, with its internationally important wildlife sites a huge draw for residents and visitors. New residential development in the area, including tourist accommodation, is therefore expected to increase the number of people visiting these wildlife sites, which include Special Protection Areas, Special Areas of Conservation and Ramsar sites. These three designations are collectively known as Habitats sites (also known as European sites). They are protected by the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 as amended (known as the Habitats Regulations). Habitats sites are designated for their incredible birds, plants, habitats and other rare and unusual species. It’s this diversity of nature that makes visiting the Suffolk Coast and Heaths such a unique experience.

However, this exceptional wildlife has not evolved to deal with the large numbers of visitors. Recreational activities can disturb or kill animals, and their habitats can be damaged or destroyed by large numbers of visitors undertaking a wide range of activities. Birds are less likely to survive and reproduce if regularly disturbed by people and their dogs. This is because humans and our dogs appear as predators to birds, which will avoid the habitats they need to feed, rest and raise their chicks. If frequently disturbed, chicks may not receive the regular food they need to survive or they may be abandoned. For exhausted birds which have just travelled thousands of miles from Africa and elsewhere to spend the winter on the Suffolk Coast, they need to rest and feed to recover. Disturbance to these birds can again be the difference between survival or not. Habitats themselves can also be damaged by people, thorough fires, trampling, dog fouling, vandalism and litter.

Reporting on RAMS

Reporting on RAMS is included in the Infrastructure Funding Statement.