The rural environment protection scheme is an agri-environment scheme, administered by the Department of Agriculture and Food, designed to: (a) establish farming practices and controlled production methods which reflect the increasing concern with conservation, landscape protection and wider environmental problems; (b) protect wildlife habitats and endangered species of fauna and flora; and (c) produce quality food in an extensive and environmentally friendly manner. While the scheme was not designed to meet Ireland's obligations under the EU Habitats Directive, it is indeed a useful tool for implementing the necessary measures for habitat and species protection at farm level.