This dataset represents a snapshot of Special Protection Areas taken in September 2016 for the purpose of the WFD RBMP Cycle 2.

The EU Birds Directive (79/409/EEC) requires designation of SPAs for listed rare and vulnerable species, regularly occurring migratory species, such as ducks, geese and waders; and wetlands, especially those of international importance, which attract large numbers of migratory birds each year. (Internationally important means that 1% of the population of a species uses the site, or more than 20,000 birds regularly use the site.) This is a national dataset.