Habitats Regulations Assessment – Introductory training

The Introductory training is specifically designed for practitioners who are new to Habitats Regulations Assessment, or those wanting a refresher course and/or update of recent policy or case law developments.

The content will be particularly well suited to consultants, ‘competent authority’ staff and statutory nature conservation body advisors. No prior experience of Habitats Regulations Assessment work is assumed.

Learning outcomes - The course will draw on case law and actual case examples and will:

• Relate the Habitats Regulations Assessment process to the source legislation (Directives and Regulations) and relevant Government policy.
• Explain the key assessment stages such as screening, appropriate assessment and the integrity test.
• Evaluate and apply the assessment stages in light of case law, case studies, examples of good practice and sources of advice and guidance.
• Provide an overview of the requirement for assessment in combination with other plans and projects.
• Explain the use of mitigation measures and when to take them into account.
• Appraise HRA related work in terms of compliance with the whole of HRA procedures and assess pitfalls to avoid.