Ilkley Moor will benefit from new European Union conservation legislation although it is already heavily protected, according to the town's Labour MP Ann Cryer.

The Government has announced a new consultation process about whether the South Pennine Moors, which include Ilkley Moor, should become a Special Area of Conservation under the EU habitats directive.

The designation would be intended to preserve the landscape and wildlife habitats of the upland areas.

But according to Ilkley's countryside officer Richard Perham, the part of the moor owned by Bradford Council is already protected by national and European Union conservation laws.

And as the council manages the moor as recreation area, there is not threat of harm to the landscape or wildlife habitats.

"The moor was included as a nationally important habitat for upland birds and that includes vegetation as well as birds," said Mrs Perham.

He said that under the council's management, there had been a rolling programme of burning to increase heather and a strategy to increase other plant species such a bilberry and crowberry.

Lately such animal species as short-eared owl and Britain's smallest bird of prey, the merlin, had returned to Ilkley Moor.

Paul Duncan, of the body carrying out the consultation process, English Nature, said that a new EU designation would be a blanket coverage for the whole area of the South Penning Moors which include many areas in Mrs Cryer's constituency.

Mr Duncan said: "It puts certain obligations on owners in respect of plans and projects but it should not make a huge difference to the area managed by Bradford Council."

Mrs Cryer said: "The South Pennine Moors are used by a large number of local people for a variety of purposes and it is only right that they are protected. This recommendation comes as the area is priority interest because it contains blanket bogs, which are important because they allow the accumulation of peat below the surface.

"Our local heaths are rich in ferns, heather and bilberries, and despite their poor level of nutrients they are an important home to a variety of wildlife."

A spokesman for Mrs Cryer's office said that the area designation would help Ilkley Moor even though it was well-protected by previous legislation.

If areas surrounding the moor itself, such as farmland, were also designated as conservation areas, wildlife and plant species would be more abundant and spread to and from the moor.

The special EU designation would also mean that the area could apply for more European funding for special wildlife and conservation projects.

Mrs Cryer said: "We have a diverse landscape in the South Pennine area and although we can't all instantly spot sphagnum moss or lemon scented fern, it is vital for future generations to enjoy."

If anyone is interested in contributing to the consultation process they should contact Mrs Cryer's office at Bob Cryer House, 35 Devonshire Street, Keighley, Bradford BD21 2BH.