Natura2000 sites

Natura 2000 is the coherent network of protected natural areas in the European Union consisting of Birds Directive and Habitats Directive Areas. Natura 2000 sites are a combination of both and the protected natural monuments therein. A total of 160 areas are concerned, three of which are marine areas in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in the North Sea (including a proposed Birds Directive area in the EEZ: The Frisian Front). The Birds Directive areas were largely designated in the period 1986-2000. The Habitats Directive sites are designated with the designation of the Natura 2000 sites concerned. The designation of these areas started in 2008 and is expected to be completed in 2015. On 15 July 2015, with the designation of the Noordhollands Dune Reserve, the Geuldal and Kolland & Overlangbroek a total of 154 Natura 2000 sites definitively designated. This file contains the boundaries of the definitively designated areas (state of play of 15 July 2015) and the borders in line with the draft decision of most other areas. Two areas are provisionally designated: Spanjaards Duin and the Duchess Hedwigepolder as part of the area Westerschelde & Saeftinghe. For two Habitats Directive areas (Krammer-Volkerak and Zoommeer) on land and two Marine Habitats Directive areas outside territorial waters (EEZ) for which draft decisions have not yet been published, this dataset contains the borders as notified to the European Commission. This dataset includes areas with underground limestone quarries on the Geuldal, Sint Pietersberg & Sint Pietersberg areas for the first time. Jekerdal, Bemelerberg & Added Schiepersberg and Savelsbos (code “HR quarry” in the attribute protector). Unlike the regular Habitats Directive area, only the underground limestone quarries are part of the Habitats Directive area in these areas.