Flynn Furney Environmental Consultants have extensive experience of undertaking AAs for a variety of projects. An Appropriate Assessment (AA) is required by the EU Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC) where a project (or plan) would be likely to have a significant effect on a European, Natura 2000 designated site, either alone or in combination with other plans or projects. Natura sites include Special Areas of Conservation (SACs), which are protected under the Habitats Directive and, Special Protection Areas (SPAs), which are protected under the EU Birds Directive (79/409/EEC). There are four stages involved in an AA, however those carried out depend on the nature of the proposed project.