Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 — United Kingdom law | Esheria

Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981

This provision creates many offences and exceptions for harming, disturbing, selling, possessing, releasing, or introducing protected birds, animals, and plants, and gives Ministers powers to make related orders and codes.

AI-assisted research synopsis — verify against the official legal text below.

Jurisdiction
United Kingdom
Instrument
Act or statute
Version
Undated source snapshot
Language
en
Official source
View official record ↗
appeals appeals and notice byelaws code of practice codes of practice commencement consultation grant conditions inspection powers invasive species land management land use legislative amendments legislative history licensing licensing and enforcement licensing conditions local authority powers nature conservation notice and service offences offences and penalties protected land operations protected sites notification +17 more

Statute overview

About this statute

This provision creates many offences and exceptions for harming, disturbing, selling, possessing, releasing, or introducing protected birds, animals, and plants, and gives Ministers powers to make related orders and codes. The provision sets rules for invasive species control orders and code of practice procedures, including consultation, notice, appeal, inspection, and offence provisions. The provision limits when samples may be taken from live birds, animals, and plants, gives constables and wildlife inspectors search and sample-related powers, creates obstruction and impersonation offences, and sets out notification and reporting duties for Natural England, the Secretary of State, and the Scottish Ministers. This provision restricts damaging or disturbing operations on protected land unless notice and consent conditions are met, and it gives Natural England and the Secretary of State appeal, enforcement, and management powers. This provision gives and limits powers around National Park land management, farm grants, access, maps, and rights of way, and it creates some related offences and penalties.