The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 is an Act of Parliament

Act of Parliament

An Act of Parliament is a statute enacted as primary legislation by a national or sub-national parliament. In the Republic of Ireland the term Act of the Oireachtas is used, and in the United States the term Act of Congress is used.In Commonwealth countries, the term is used both in a narrow...

 in the United Kingdom

United Kingdom

The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...

 and was implemented to comply with the Directive 2009/147/EC on the conservation of wild birds. In short, the act gives protection to native species (especially those at threat), controls the release of non-native species, enhances the protection of SSSIs and builds upon the rights of way rules in the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949. The Act is split into 4 parts covering 74 sections, it also includes 17 schedules.

The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 was implemented 30 years ago and is still used today. The legislation has strength; few amendments have been made to it, and it has acted as a foundation for later legislation to build upon. The compulsory 5 year review of schedules 5 and 8 make it dynamic in terms of the species which are protected by it.

History

1979-Bern Convention. Legally binding, covering most of the European continent and some states of Africa. Aims of the convention:

• conserve flora and fauna
• conserve habitats
• protect endangered habitats and species including migratory species
• encourage European co-operation in conservation

The UK ratified the convention and adopted the European Directive on the Conservation of Wild Birds (among other directives).

1979-European Directive79/409/EC on the Conservation of Wild Birds. The main provisions included:

• protection of vulnerable species
• classification of SPAs
• protection for all wild birds
• restrictions on killing/selling/keeping wild birds

1981-The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 along with several other acts were passed as UK legislation to comply to the European Directive on the Conservation of Wild Birds:

• Wildlife (Northern Ireland) Order 1985
• Nature Conservation and Amenity Lands Order 1985
• Conservation Regulations 1995
• Offshore Marine Conservation Regulations 2007
• Conservation Regulations 2010

The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 strengthened protection of SSSIs introduced by the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949. The pre-dated acts:

• Protection of Birds Acts of 1954, 1964 and 1967
• Conservation of Wild Creatures and Wild Plants Act 1975

were repealed by the passing of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.

1982- The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 was implemented.
1985- The UK ratified the Bonn Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (1979). Adopted in Bonn, Germany in 1979 and coming into force in 1985, the Bonn Convention worked to conserve migratory species and their habitats. Listed in Appendix I are species which are endangered, Appendix II contains species which would benefit from international cooperation.

Appendix 1 migratory species listed in the convention were amended into the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.

Part I: Wildlife

Part I includes sections 1 to 27 of the Act.
The legislation contained in these sections covers:

• Protection of wild birds, their eggs and nests
• Protection of other animals
• Protection of plants
• Miscellaneous

Introduction into the wild of species that are not native to Great Britain or are otherwise banned

The import or export of endangered species.

Part II: Nature Conservation, Countryside & National Parks

Part II includes sections 28 to 52 of the Act.
The legislation contained in these sections covers:

• Nature conservation

Sites of Special Scientific Interest

Limestone Pavements

National Nature Reserve

National Nature Reserve

For details of National nature reserves in the United Kingdom see:*National Nature Reserves in England*National Nature Reserves in Northern Ireland*National Nature Reserves in Scotland*National Nature Reserves in Wales...

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Marine Nature Reserve

Marine Nature Reserve

Marine Nature Reserve is a British conservation designation officially awarded by the government to a marine reserve of national significance....

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• Countryside
• National Parks
  National parks of the United Kingdom
  National parks of the United Kingdom are a devolved matter with each of the countries of the United Kingdom having its own policies and arrangements. There are 15 of these managed areas of outstanding landscape where habitation and commercial activities are restricted, with 10 in England, 3 in...
  
  

Part III: Public Rights of Way

Part III includes sections 53 to 66 of the Act.
Building on the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949 which required local authorities to draw up maps defining public rights of way.

• Ascertainment of public rights of way

The duties of government bodies to identify, maintain and update records about Public Rights of Way and to keep maps showing rights of way under continuous review.

• Updating and changing public rights of way

Updating may be required after the following:

1. diversion of a highway
2. extension of a highway
3. widening of a highway
4. stopping of a highway
5. addition of a highway
6. removal of a highway
7. change in position of public path or traffic byway
8. implementation of restrictions to public right of way

Rights of way are maintained at public expense.

An up to date map act as evidence that the public has right of way in relevant way (i.e. by foot on footpaths or on horseback on bridleways).

Changes of right of way requires a survey or review by the local surveying authority

• Miscellaneous & Supplemental

Some responsibilities of owners of land crossed by a Public Right of Way

Regulation of traffic on Public Rights of Way

Part IV: Miscellaneous & General

Part IV includes sections 67 to 74 of the Act.
The legislation contained in these sections covers:

• Application of the Act to Crown land
• Application of the Act to the Isles of Scilly
• Offences by 'bodies corporate'
• Financial provisions
• Definitions

"public path"- means a footpath or bridleway.

"footpath"- allows the public to use highway on foot.

"bridleway"- allows the public to use highway on foot, leading a horse or riding a horse.

"byway open to all traffic"- allows public to use highway for vehicles, on foot, leading a horse or riding a horse

"recognised dairy breed"- Ayrshire, British Friesian, British Holstein, Dairy Shorthorn, Guernsey, Jersey and Kerry.

"relevant conservation body"- Natural England or Countryside Council for Wales

Schedules

The Act contains 17 schedules.
Schedules 1 to 10 relate to powers under the "Wildlife" part of the Act. Schedule 1 Lists over forty species of birds that are protected by special penalties. Schedule 2 lists Huntable birds and their close seasons.

Schedules 11 to 13 relate to powers under Part II of the Act

Schedules 14 to 16 relate to powers under Part III of the Act

Schedule 17 lists previous legislation that was repealed in favour of this Act.

Amendments

There has been a few simple amendments made to the Wildlife and Countryside Act; word changes, increase in fines, etc.
Every 5 years the JNCC coordinates a compulsory review of schedules 5 and 8 to add new species that may need protection (Legislation.gov.uk, 2010).
A secretary of state can add or remove species at any time (Legislation.gov.uk, 2010).
Main amendments to the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981

1985- Makes it necessary for local authorities to use Countryside Commission guidelines in deciding whether area with natural beauty are important to conserve. Amendments were made to SSSI documentation, notification periods and maintenance of registers (Legislation.gov.uk, 2010).

1991- Amendment making it an offence to knowingly cause or permit to cause actions listed in sections 5 and 11 (RSPCA, 2004).

1995- Restricts licenses issued to control wildbirds in order to reduce damage to crops, livestock, etc. (RSPCA, 2004)

1998- Variation of schedules 5 and 8; for example, Flamingo Moss (Desmatodon cernuus) was added to schedule 8 as well as 17 other species (Legislation.gov.uk, 2010).

1999- Variation of schedule 9; several species of deer were added to schedule 9 (Legislation.gov.uk, 2010).

2004- Minor amendments of various words (Legislation.gov.uk, 2010).
Amendments from following legislation

1990- The Environmental Protection Act 1990 established English Nature and the Joint Nature Conservation Council. JNCC made responsible for producing guidelines for SSSI selection.

1994- Conservation Regulations 1994. Built on Part I protecting habitats and species by implementing the requirement to assess plans/projects that will impact on European Protected Species.

2000- The Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 strengthened protection of SSSIs; by increased English Nature's enforcement power (allowed to combat neglect, prevent damaging activity, make public bodies responsible for conservation and enhancement of SSSIs) and increasing penalties for damage to a maximum of £20,000 per offence (along with court power to order restoration if damage occurs).

Improved public rights of way giving people access to mountain, moor, heath, down and registered common land.

2006- The National Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 merged English Nature and the Countryside Agency to create Natural England. Introduced new offences involving the intentional and reckless damage of SSSIs.

2009- The Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 allowed the creation of marine conservation zones and with the consent of the secretary of state, the creation of SSSIs below mean low water mark.
(Defra, 2009b)

2011- The Wildlife and Natural Environment (Scotland) Act 2011 made some major amendments with regard to control of non-native species, the protection of birds, protection of hares and rabbits and associated poaching.

Regulators

Regulated by:
Natural England

As well as being a regulator of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, Natural England acts as an advisor (to individuals, companies, government, etc.) in relation to nature conservation. Additionally Natural England helps with land management through grants, projects and information.

Legally responsible for Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) and enforce law when necessary. Damage, destruction or disturbance of SSSI habitats and features can lead to the following actions by Natural England:

• information- awareness and education can stop harmful activities
• warning letters- request harmful activity to stop and request agreement for restoration
• formal investigations- collection of evidence by trained investigators following legal evidence requirements
• cautions- if prosecution is not an appropriate action then a caution is issued if necessary evidence has been collected (to have a good chance of conviction)
• prosecution- only occurs when evidence collected makes conviction reasonably certain or where prosecution is in the public interest. Natural England always try to recover costs and publicise prosecutions to the press. Specific penalties are applied, consideration of profit gained from offence is considered and often added to fines, application for a formal restoration order is made making the offender responsible for restoration of SSSI (at offender's expense).
• civil action- in most serious cases where all other options have been explored, Natural England can take civil action to claim possession of SSSIs under serious threat.

(Natural England, 2007)

Countryside Council of Wales and Scottish Natural Heritage

Similar responsibilities to Natural England, but responsible in Wales and Scotland.

Police

Within the police there are several aspects to regulating wildlife crime; intelligence, enforcement and prevention.
(IEEM, 2010)

The police are responsible for enforcing part I of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, often advised by Natural England (Natural England, 2007) and will investigate wildlife offences; usually performed by Wildlife Crime Officers (WCOs).

The National Wildlife Crime Unit (NWCU) is a law enforcement unit which helps agencies with enforcement. Wildlife crime investigations, statistics and intelligence are provided.

Environment Agency

The Environment Agency deal with reports from the public in relation to wildlife crime; under duties to prosecute environmental crimes, offences such as damage to habitats and wildlife are included. The EA work closely with the RSPB and Wildlife Crime Officers (Environmentlaw, 2010).

Local Authorities

Local authorities (e.g. Southampton City Council) are responsible for regulating public rights of way and enforcing Rights of Way legislation (Legislation.gov.uk, 2010). Issues such as obstructions and misleading signs are usually reported by members of the public and then are dealt with by the local authority (Southampton City Council, 2009).

Monitored by:

• Regulatory bodies (mentioned above).
• NGOs; the RSPB and RSPCA work with the police to prevent and identify wildlife crime (Environmentlaw, 2010)
• General Public.
• The Partnership for Action against Wildlife Crime (PAW)- a multi-agency body which encourages both statutory and NGO organisations to work together in the combat of wildlife crime (PAW, 2011).

Offences

Land owners and occupiers

• Failing to comply with the restrictions on methods to kill animals and birds (see Part I: Wildlife for further details).
• Killing, injuring a wild bird or animal, damaging or destroying the nest/shelter of a wild bird or animal (see Part I: Wildlife for further details).
• Removing any native plant (see Part I: Wildlife for further details).
• "Carrying out, causing or allowing operations likely to damage an SSSI without consent.
• Failing to keep to a management notice.
• Failing to let us know about a change in ownership or occupation of land in an SSSI" (Natural England, 2007)
• Failing to maintain public rights of way; removing obstructions, surfacing, maintaining safe and easy to use access points (Southampton City Council, 2009).

Public bodies/Industry

• Failing to comply with the restrictions on methods to kill animals and birds (see Part I: Wildlife for further details).
• Killing, injuring a wild bird or animal, damaging or destroying the nest/shelter of a wild bird or animal (see Part I: Wildlife for further details).
• Removing any native plant (see Part I: Wildlife for further details).
• Release of non native species into the environment (see Part I: Wildlife for further details).
• "Carrying out or authorising operations likely to damage an SSSI without meeting the requirements to notify Natural England.
• Failing to minimise any damage to an SSSI and if there is any damage, failing to restore it to its former state so far as is reasonably practical and possible." (Natural England, 2007)

Any person

• Failing to comply with the restrictions on methods to kill animals and birds (see Part I: Wildlife for further details).
• Killing, injuring a wild bird or animal, damaging or destroying the nest/shelter of a wild bird or animal (see Part I: Wildlife for further details).
• Removing any native plant (see Part I: Wildlife for further details).
• "Intentionally or recklessly damaging, destroying or disturbing any of the habitats or features of an SSSI.
• Intentionally or recklessly damaging, destroying, obscuring or taking down a site notice put up on land within an SSSI.
• Preventing one of our officers lawfully accessing an SSSI." (Natural England, 2007)

Penalties

Tried with regards to each separate animal/site involved. If multiple organisms or sites are involved then defendant tried per animal/site involved:

• Up to £5,000 fine (incidents involving SSSIs can now incur fines of up to £20,000 under amendments made by the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000).
• Up to six months imprisonment
• If the defendant is a corporation then the head of that corporation may also be tried as liable and face the fine and/or prison sentence.

(RSPB, 2011)
Exemptions

Exemptions to Part 1- Wildlife

There are various exemptions applied to part one providing protection for wildlife, thus no lawful act or offence will be committed, if:

• an authorised person for example by obtaining a licence from Natural England or DEFRA kills or takes a wild bird, damages or destroys the nest of a bird and damages or removes eggs from the nest.
• an authorised person for example has obtained a licence for killing or injuring an animal in schedule 5 and can provide sufficient evidence stating it was necessary to prevent damage and protect livestock, crops, vegetables, fruit, growing timber and fisheries.
• a wild bird or animal has been taken if injured and that person’s intention is to tend and return the bird or animal to the wild when fully recovered. If it is so severely injured beyond recovery then it can be killed in the most humane way possible.

All sick and injured birds and animals which are being cared for must be registered with DEFRA.

• it can be shown that the destruction of a nest, egg, bird, animal or an animal’s shelter was accidental from a lawful operation and could not have been avoided.
• an individual can provide evidence showing it was necessary to kill or injure a protected animal or bird in order to protect livestock, crops, vegetables, fruit, growing timber and fisheries.

WCA, 1981)

Variations

Provided below is a list - probably incomplete - of documents modifying the W&C Act 1981.

• Statutory Instrument 1988 No. 288: The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (Variation of Schedules) Order 1988 S.I. 1981/288
• Statutory Instrument 1994 No. 1151: Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (Variation of Schedule 4) Order 1994 S.I. 1994/1151