Habitat Regulations give legal protection to a wide range of species. Any planned habitat managment should be considered carefully and appropriate survey and mitigation work undertaken to avoid commiting an offence. For example some protected species found in woodland include all nesting birds, all bats and their roosts, otters, great crested newt, sand lizard, smooth snake and dormouse. The designation also extends to certain plant species

For up to date information on protected species see the Natural England page on the topic.

The Forestry Commission also has a page specific to protected species in woodland.