Habitat
A place in which a particular plant or animal lives. Often used in a wider sense, referring to major assemblages of plants and animals living together.

Habitat Action Plan
One of the UK national action plans which identify targets for maintaining and enhancing the 45 key habitats identified in the UK BAP.

Habitats Directive
EC directive (92/43/EEC) which aims to ensure biodiversity through the conservation of natural habitats and species in the EU. It provides for the setting up of Special Areas of Conservation (see below) and other conservation measures such as research and monitoring.

Habitat Scheme (DEFRA)
Incentive to farmers to take land out of production for 10 or 20 years and manage it in environmentally beneficial ways.

Heritage Coast
Defined in development plans by Local Authorities in consultation with the Countryside Agency. Heritage coast policies now include the conservation of natural marine and coastal habitats, flora and fauna.