MRS Alford's High Court win over agricultural operations at Vixen Tor (Times, May 12) is bad news for Vixen Tor itself, but even worse news for habitats throughout the country. The ruling has emasculated the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations, which were intended to protect habitats for their wildlife and landscape value. Some of our best habitats have been created through neglect, but it seems that farmers can now bring them back into agricultural use without any check or environmental analysis. We urge Defra to review and strengthen the regulations before further damage is done. Kate Ashbrook, General secretary Open Spaces Society 25A Bell Street Henley-on-Thames RG9 2BA