A special area of conservation ( SAC ) is defined in the European Union 's Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC), also known as the Directive on the Conservation of Natural Habitats and of Wild Fauna and Flora . They are to protect the 220 habitats and approximately 1,000 species listed in annex I and II of the directive which are considered to be of European interest following criteria given in the directive. They must be chosen from the sites of Community importance by the member states and designated SAC by an act assuring the conservation measures of the natural habitat.
5-541: Morecambe Bay Pavements is a multi-site Special Area of Conservation comprising limestone pavements around Morecambe Bay in North-West England. It was designated in 2005 under the Habitats Directive . The SAC does not include any marine areas; Morecambe Bay itself is a separate SAC, which was designated the same year. The SAC is designated for its biological rather geological interest, but
10-688: A network of protected sites across the European Union called Natura 2000 . This, in turn, is part of the Emerald network of Areas of Special Conservation Interest (ASCIs) under the Berne Convention . Prior to being designated as a Special Area of Conservation (SAC), sites have been assessed under a two-stage process set out by the Joint Nature Conservation Committee . The value of the proposed site
15-427: Is considered in relation to the whole national resource of each habitat type and of each species. Firstly, assessment of the relative importance of sites containing examples of the individual habitat types. Four criteria are used: Secondly, species assessment evaluates population size and density, the degree of conservation of the features of the habitat that are important for the species and restoration possibilities,
20-691: The Lake District National Park. Under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 limestone pavement is subject to protection measures known as Limestone Pavement Orders. Morecambe Bay Limestones are also designated as a National Character Area (NCA). In 2012 it was announced that Morecambe Bay Limestones and Wetlands would be one of twelve Nature Improvement Areas , an initiative to promote ecological connectivity and improve biodiversity . Special Area of Conservation SACs complement special protection areas and together form
25-575: The areas protected, on the margins of Morecambe Bay, have in common that they feature faulted outcrops of Lower Carboniferous Limestone . The limestone tends to form hills as it is more resistant to erosion than other rocks in the area. There are separate WP articles describing the sites (which are in the counties of Cumbria and Lancashire): Parts of the SAC lies within the Arnside and Silverdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (designated in 1972), and
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