Catchment Data Explorer: Waterbody Protected Areas
type: Dataset
description: This data can be accessed from the Catchment Data Explorer: https://environment.data.gov.uk/catchment-planning. The Water Framework Directive / Water Environment Regulations requires the Environment Agency to maintain, review and keep up to date a register of the protected areas lying (whether wholly or partly) within the district. The register must include the following protected areas (a)a drinking water protected area; (b)an area or body of water for the time being designated or otherwise identified as requiring special protection for the protection of surface water and groundwater or for the conservation of habitats or species directly, including, in particular— (i)areas designated for the protection of economically significant aquatic species (including shellfish water protected areas); (ii)bodies of water designated as recreational waters (bathing waters); (iii)nutrient-sensitive areas; (iv)areas designated for the protection of habitats or species where the maintenance or improvement of the status of water is an important factor in the protection of the habitats or species. This data supports the Water Framework Directive river basin management plans that can be found here: https://environment.data.gov.uk/catchment-planning Attribution statement: © Environment Agency copyright and/or database right 2026. All rights reserved.
issued: 2026-07-06T07:09:25.186174
modified: 2026-07-06T07:09:25.186177
spatial: Location
  geometry: {"type": "Polygon", "coordinates": [[[2.072, 49.943], [-6.236, 49.943], [-6.236, 55.816], [2.072, 55.816], [2.072, 49.943]]]}
keyword: Cycle 1
keyword: Cycle 2
keyword: Cycle 3
keyword: Cycle 4
keyword: Cycle 5
keyword: Shellfish Waters
keyword: WFD
keyword: Water Framework Directive WFD
keyword: bathing water
keyword: drinking water protected areas
keyword: environment
keyword: groundwater
keyword: habitats and species
keyword: nutrient sensitive areas
keyword: nvz
keyword: protected areas
keyword: river basin management plans
keyword: surface waters

Water Framework Directive Protected Areas Register as CSV
type: Distribution
description: Water Framework Directive Protected Areas Register as CSV
format: CSV
issued: 2026-07-06T07:09:25.189186
modified: 2026-07-06T07:09:25.143135
access URL: https://environment.data.gov.uk/catchment-planning/England/protected-areas.csv

Water Framework Directive Protected Areas Register
type: Distribution
description: Explore and download information about the water environment in your area and access river basin management plans
issued: 2026-07-06T07:09:25.189183
modified: 2026-07-06T07:09:25.143043
access URL: https://environment.data.gov.uk/catchment-planning

Environment Agency
type: Organization