Decision

Designation process: Hamford Water Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and Tankerton Slopes and Swalecliffe SAC

Published 12 February 2016

Applies to England

Background

The Hamford Water site and Tankerton Slopes and Swalecliffe site were both selected to become Special Areas of Conservation as important areas that support Fisher’s estuarine moth (Gortyna borelii lunata).

The moth is only found in 2 areas in the UK, the north Essex coast and the north Kent coast, which both support the habitat needed for survival consisting of:

  • a tall herb community dominated by hog’s fennel (Peucedanum officinale) - the moth’s only caterpillar food source
  • areas of neutral grassland containing coarse grasses suitable for egg laying

Designation process

Consultations were held on the 2 sites before they became fully designated as SACs on 11 February 2016.

The supporting documents for the consultation process are held on the Natural England archive website.

Designation documents

The documents that support the decision to designate each site are the:

  • citation - identifying the interests for which the areas were designated
  • boundary map

European site register

The government maintains a public register of all Natura 2000 sites in the UK. The register entries for Hamford Water SAC and Tankerton Slopes and Swalecliffe SAC are attached in the individual site packages.

To see the full register contact Natural England enquiries: enquiries@naturalengland.org.uk.

For further information about each site contact: