Environment
Environmental policy is a top priority for the South West. The region boasts a very rich and diverse environment with one third of the region designated nationally for its landscape quality. The South West is also home to 26 of the 39 UK priority habitats, many of which are protected under the European Natura 2000 network. Approximately 80% of the UK’s environmental legislation originates from EU Directives and a significant percentage of that is implemented at or impacts on the local level. EU environment policy is therefore of prime importance to the South West, which follows it closely, seeking to influence it where necessary.
