§ 11. Mr. Tipping:To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the landscape and environmental value of limestone pavements; and what plans he has to protect them. [39515]
§ Angela EagleThe value of limestone pavement is acknowledged by inclusion within Sites of Special Scientific Interest, and by Limestone Pavement Orders, which offer protection against physical damage. The best examples have been identified as candidate Special Areas of Conservation under the EC Habitats Directive. In addition, limestone pavement is one of 14 key habitats for which we have published action plans, as part of the implementation of the UK's Biodiversity Action Plan.