The great crested newt is listed on Annexes II and IV of the Council Directive 92/43/EEC on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora (the habitats directive). It is protected under schedule 2 of the Conservation (Natural Habitats, etc.) Regulations 1994 and schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. Administrative guidance on the application of the law relating to planning and nature conservation is contained in the Government circular: ‘Biodiversity and Geological Conservation—statutory obligations and their impact within the planning system’.