Written question asked by Lord Fearn (Liberal Democrat), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Rooker (Labour) on Monday, 30 October 2006.

Wildlife: Protected Areas

Question: Which areas of the English countryside and coastline are protected because they are Natterjack toad habitats.

Answer: Natterjack toads are strictly protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) and Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) Regulations 1994. Therefore, the places they use for breeding, resting, sheltering and protection are protected wherever the species occurs, regardless of whether the land has some statutory designation. The areas they are recorded to occupy can be found in the National Biodiversity Gateway (www.searchnbn.net). The below table lists the sites which are designated as sites of special scientific interest (SSSIs) expressly because of the presence of natterjack toads. In Natural England terms, this means they are a notified interest feature. Cockerham Marsh, Lancs Red Rocks, Wirral Sefton Coast, Sefton Annaside, Cumbria Silloth Dunes and Mawbray Bank, Cumbria Upper Solway Flats and Marshes, Cumbria Drigg Coast, Cumbria Duddon Estuary, Cumbria North Norfolk Coast, Norfolk Syderstone Common, Norfolk Winterton-Horsey Dunes, Norfolk Woolmer Forest, Hampshire Overall, around 90 per cent of natterjack toad populations occur on SSSIs, and 70 per cent of the populations are on SSSIs where the species is a notified interest feature.

Secondary information