Definition of Favourable Conservation Status for Little Tern (RP2929)

This document sets out Natural England’s view on the contribution England needs to make to achieve Favourable Conservation Status (FCS) for Little Tern Sternula albifrons. It is the aim of the Habitats Directive to achieve and maintain FCS. The England contribution is defined in terms of the natural range and population of the species and the extent of habitat necessary for long-term maintenance of populations.
This section contains the summary statement of the England contribution. Sections 2 – 5 describe the evidence considered when defining FCS for each of the three parameters. Annex 1 sets out the UK and England position in the 3rd Habitats Directive report.
This document does not include any action planning, or describe actions, to achieve FCS where the species is not considered to be in FCS. These will be presented separately, for example within restoration strategies.