UK Act of Parliament 1981 United Kingdom

Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended)

What this means for your business

45 obligations
41 penalties
23 can imprison
6 guides
Applies to
United Kingdom
On this page
45 compliance obligations, 6 practical guides across 2 topics
Read full text on legislation.gov.uk

What you must do

45 compliance obligations under this legislation — 23 can result in imprisonment.

Inspections 1

Inspect snares daily and remove triggered devices

6 months imprisonment

If your business sets, owns or controls snares (for pest control or other purposes) you must check them at least once every 24 hours. Whenever a snare has been triggered you must remove or destroy it straight away and take reasonable steps so it cannot cause further injury to wildlife. Keep a simple log of these inspections to prove you’ve complied.

Any Person s.11B APHA when you set, own or otherwise control a snare

Management duties 4

Notify Natural England and observe waiting periods before granting work permission

Unlimited fine

If your business (as a statutory undertaker) needs to give permission for work that could harm the special wildlife or geological features of an SSSI, you must first tell Natural England about the proposed work. You then have to wait 28 days before deciding, consider any advice they give, and if you ignore their advice you must inform them of your decision and wait at least 21 days before the work can start.

Contractor s.28I APHA When you need to grant permission for operations that could damage flora, …

Obtain and comply with a section 16AA licence for killing/taking protected birds

Unlimited fine

If you own or occupy land and want to kill or take any bird listed in Part 1B of Schedule 2, you must first obtain a section 16AA licence from the Scottish Ministers (or the delegated body). You have to submit a proper application, pay the fee and, if granted, follow all licence conditions and the prescribed code of practice. Breaching these rules can lead to licence suspension or revocation and criminal prosecution.

Occupier s.16AA APHA If you intend to kill or take any bird listed in Part …

Only veterinary surgeons may take samples from live wildlife

If your business needs to take a sample from a live bird, animal or plant, you must have a qualified veterinary surgeon do it. You also need to be reasonably sure that the sampling will not cause any lasting harm to the specimen. Unqualified staff cannot take such samples.

Any Person s.18F APHA When taking a sample from a live bird, animal or plant under …

Take reasonable steps to conserve SSSI features

Unlimited fine

If your business is a statutory undertaker (for example a water, gas, electricity or rail company) or any other public authority, you must consider the impact of your activities on Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs). Wherever your work could affect the special plants, animals or geological features of an SSSI, you must take reasonable actions to protect and enhance them.

Trader/Business s.28G APHA When exercising functions that are likely to affect the flora, fauna, geological …

Notifications 2

Notify National Park Authority before agricultural work on moor or heath

Unlimited fine

If you own or occupy land inside a National Park that is classified as moor or heath and you want to plough it or carry out any agricultural or forestry operation that could change its character, you must first give the National Park Authority written notice of the proposal. You can only start the work if the authority gives consent, or if they do not respond within the time limits set out in the order. Doing the work without following this can lead to unlimited fines.

Occupier s.42 APHA Planning to carry out agricultural or specified forestry work on moor/heath land …

Notify Natural England and manage impact before SSSI‑affecting works

If your business plans any works that could damage the plants, animals or geological features that make a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) special, you must first give written notice to Natural England. You must wait for their response (up to 28 days) and, if they do not give consent, tell the local council the start date and how you have taken any advice. Then carry out the work so it causes as little damage as reasonably possible and restore any damage that does occur.

Contractor s.28H APHA Planned operations that could damage flora, fauna, geological or physiographical features of …

Other requirements 2

Reclassify any roads you own that are used as public paths

If you own or occupy a road that is used as a public path, the Wildlife and Countryside Act requires you to re‑classify it to the correct road category (for example, carriageway, footpath or bridleway). This means you need to confirm and, if necessary, change the legal classification of the road so that it is recorded correctly for the public and for wildlife conservation purposes.

Landlord/Property Owner s.54 APHA Ownership or occupation of a road used as a public path

Show warrant and use constable when entering under a species‑control order

If anyone from your business is given a warrant to enter a property for a species‑control operation, they must show the warrant to the owner or occupier if asked. They may only use reasonable force if a police officer (constable) is with them, and they must never use force against an individual person.

Any Person s.14N APHA When a person is authorised by a warrant to enter premises for …

Offences and prohibitions 34

Allow a bull onto land crossed by a public right of way

Fine up to £1,000

If you are the occupier of a field or enclosure that a public footpath or other right of way runs through, you must not let a bull be roaming free in that land. The offence does not apply to bulls under 10 months old, or to non‑dairy‑breed bulls that are kept together with cows or heifers. If you breach this rule you can be prosecuted in the magistrates' court and fined up to £1,000.

Occupier s.59 APHA

Attempt to commit wildlife offence or possess tools for it

6 months imprisonment

If you try to break any wildlife protection law – for example by planning to kill, injure or trade a protected species – or you keep equipment that could be used to do so, you are liable as if the offence had actually been committed. The penalty is the same as the underlying wildlife offence, meaning you could face an unlimited fine and up to six months in prison. This applies to any person or business that is involved in such conduct.

Any Person s.18 APHA

Breach invasive alien species rules

2 years imprisonment

If you keep, breed, transport, sell, use, cultivate or release an invasive alien species in a way that breaches the EU Invasive Alien Species Regulation – and the act is not already covered by sections 14, 14ZC or 14A of this Act – you commit a criminal offence. The offence can be pursued by APHA, the Forestry Commission, Natural England or Natural Resources Wales. A conviction can result in a fine (often unlimited) and/or imprisonment, although a defence may be available if you took all reasonable steps to avoid the breach.

Any Person s.14AA APHA

Contravention of emergency invasive‑species restrictions

2 years imprisonment

If you keep, breed or otherwise deal with an invasive alien species that is covered by an emergency restriction under the Invasive Alien Species Regulation, you commit a criminal offence. The offence applies to any person who carries out the prohibited activity. Conviction can lead to a fine and/or imprisonment – the exact limits are set out elsewhere in the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.

Any Person s.14AB APHA

Fail to comply with a species control order

6 months imprisonment

If you have been served a species control order – for example, an order requiring you to manage or protect a protected species on your land – and you either do not carry out the required operation, deliberately block someone else from doing it, or carry out an operation that the order expressly prohibits, you commit a criminal offence. Conviction can result in an unlimited fine and, in serious cases, a custodial sentence.

Any Person s.14K APHA

Fail to comply with restoration order after SSSI damage

Unlimited fine

If you are convicted of damaging a Site of Special Scientific Interest, the court can order you to restore the site. Should you not carry out the restoration within the time set, you will be fined – an unlimited amount on summary conviction – and may also face a daily fine of up to £100 for each day the breach continues. Natural England can also do the work itself and recover the costs from you.

Any Person s.31 APHA

Fail to notify Natural England of SSSI ownership/occupation change

Fine up to £200

If you own land that is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest and you sell, lease, or otherwise dispose of an interest in it, or you learn that a different person is now occupying it, you must inform Natural England within 28 days. Failing to do so without a reasonable excuse is a criminal offence, punishable by a fine of up to £200 on summary conviction.

Any Person s.28Q APHA

Fail to notify presence of invasive animals or plants

If you become aware that an invasive animal or plant is present at a specified site outside its native range, and a Scottish Ministers’ order requires you to report it, you must make the notification as set out in the order. Failing to do so without a reasonable excuse is a criminal offence. Conviction can result in a fine and/or a term of imprisonment, the exact limits being set by the relevant order or later regulations.

Any Person s.14B APHA

Intentionally obstruct an authorised inspector entering land

Fine up to £1,000

If you deliberately prevent a person authorised by Natural England, NRW or another relevant authority from entering your land to carry out inspections or checks under the Wildlife and Countryside Act, you commit a criminal offence. On conviction in the Magistrates’ Court you can be fined up to £1,000. No prison term is provided for this offence.

Any Person s.51 APHA

Keep captive birds in inadequate cages or organise bird‑shooting events

6 months imprisonment

If you keep any bird in a cage or box that is too small for it to stretch its wings freely, you are committing an offence. The same applies if you arrange, promote or allow an event where captive birds are released to be shot. Conviction can lead to an unlimited fine and/or a period of imprisonment, so businesses that keep birds (e.g., pet shops, breeders, event organisers) must ensure cages are suitably sized and avoid any bird‑shooting activities.

Any Person s.8 APHA

Keep invasive animal or plant without permission

2 years imprisonment

If you keep, possess, or control any animal or plant that the Scottish Ministers have listed as invasive, you are committing a criminal offence. This applies to any business that holds such species, such as farms, nurseries or pet retailers. Conviction can lead to a fine and/or imprisonment, but the exact maximum penalties are set elsewhere in the Act.

Any Person s.14ZC APHA

Keep or dispose of unregistered captive birds

6 months imprisonment

If you keep a bird that appears in Schedule 4 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act without first registering and ringing or marking it as the regulations require, you are committing an offence. The same offence also applies if you keep such a bird within the time limits after a previous conviction for certain bird‑related offences, or if you knowingly sell or give away the bird within those time limits. Conviction can lead to a fine (often unlimited) and/or imprisonment.

Any Person s.7 APHA

Kill, injure or take protected wild animals

6 months imprisonment

If you, or anyone acting for your business, intentionally or recklessly kill, hurt or take a wild animal listed in Schedule 6A (e.g. hares, rabbits, certain game birds), you commit a criminal offence. A conviction can lead to a fine and/or imprisonment, and may also affect your reputation and licences. This applies to landowners, farmers, gamekeepers, and any organisation that handles wildlife.

Any Person s.11G APHA

Kill, injure or take protected wild hares in close season

6 months imprisonment

If you (or anyone acting for you) intentionally or recklessly kill, injure or capture a wild animal listed in Schedule 5A – for example a brown hare – during the legally‑defined close season (1 Feb to 30 Sep), you commit a criminal offence. A conviction can lead to a fine (potentially unlimited) and/or imprisonment.

Any Person s.10A APHA

Kill, injure, take or possess wild birds, nests or eggs

6 months imprisonment

If you intentionally kill, injure, take or destroy a protected wild bird, its nest or its eggs – or if you possess any of these without a lawful excuse – you are committing a criminal offence. The offence also covers reckless disturbance of birds or their young. Conviction can lead to a fine and/or imprisonment, so you must ensure any work on land does not affect protected wildlife.

Any Person s.1 APHA

Kill, injure, take or trade protected wild animals

6 months imprisonment

If you intentionally kill, injure or take any animal listed in Schedule 5, or keep, sell, transport, or advertise that animal or any part of it, you commit a criminal offence. The rule applies to any business that deals with wildlife – for example pet traders, zoos, wildlife‑tour operators or sellers of animal products. Conviction can result in an unlimited fine and a possible term of imprisonment, and the case may be heard in either the Magistrates’ Court or the Crown Court.

Any Person s.9 APHA

Kill, take or disturb protected birds in a Special Protection Area

6 months imprisonment

If you intentionally kill, injure, take, destroy nests or eggs, or disturb protected wild birds (or their young) inside an area that has been designated as a Special Protection Area, you commit a criminal offence. The same applies to anyone who enters the area contrary to the order that created the protection. Conviction can lead to a fine and/or imprisonment, depending on the penalty set elsewhere in the Act.

Any Person s.3 APHA

Make false statements to obtain wildlife registration or licence

6 months imprisonment

If you knowingly or recklessly give false information when applying for a wildlife registration, identification number or licence, you commit a criminal offence. This applies whether the application is for yourself or on behalf of another party. Conviction can lead to a fine and/or imprisonment, although the exact maximum penalties are set elsewhere in the legislation.

Any Person s.17 APHA

Obstruct authorised wildlife inspection

Fine up to £200

If you deliberately prevent or hinder a person who has written authorisation from the Secretary of State from entering premises to check whether protected animals or plants have been imported illegally, you commit a criminal offence. On summary conviction you can be fined up to £200. No imprisonment is mentioned.

Any Person Schedule 10 APHA

Obstruct a wildlife inspector or refuse assistance

If you deliberately prevent a wildlife inspector from doing their job, or you do not give the reasonable help they ask for when examining a bird or other animal, you commit a criminal offence. Conviction can lead to a fine and, depending on the court, may be tried as a summary offence.

Any Person s.19ZC APHA

Obstruct wildlife inspector or refuse to provide/assist with sample taking

Unlimited fine

If you intentionally block a wildlife inspector, refuse to hand over a specimen they request, or refuse to help a veterinary surgeon take a sample from a live animal, you commit an offence under the Wildlife and Countryside Act. The rule applies to any person, including businesses and landowners, and breaches can lead to fines and/or imprisonment (penalties are set in the Act’s penalty provisions).

Any Person s.19ZD APHA

Partner or manager causes wildlife offence by partnership/association

6 months imprisonment

If a Scottish partnership or any unincorporated association commits an offence under Part 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act, and it is proved that a partner or someone who runs the body consented, connived or was negligent, both the partnership (or association) and that individual can be prosecuted. They will face whatever punishment applies to the underlying wildlife offence.

Any Person s.69A APHA

Pick, uproot, destroy or trade protected wild plants

6 months imprisonment

If you intentionally pick, uproot or destroy any wild plant listed in Schedule 8, or uproot any wild plant not on that list without authorisation, you commit an offence. It is also an offence to sell, offer for sale, possess, transport for sale or advertise any of those protected plants or any part derived from them. Conviction can lead to unlimited fines and, depending on the court, possible imprisonment.

Any Person s.13 APHA

Plough a footpath, bridleway or highway without permission

Fine up to £200

If you (or your business) plough a public footpath, bridleway or any other highway when you do not have a legal right to do so, you commit a criminal offence. You must restore the surface within two weeks (or as soon as practical after bad weather), and failure to do so can lead to a fine of up to £200. The offence is dealt with in the magistrates’ court.

Any Person s.61 APHA

Possess pesticides with prescribed active ingredients

Unlimited fine

If your business holds any pesticide that contains a prescribed active ingredient you are committing an offence, unless you can prove the pesticide is being used in line with the relevant EU plant‑protection or biocidal product regulations. A conviction can lead to a fine (often unlimited) and possibly a term of imprisonment.

Any Person s.15A APHA

Release or plant prohibited non‑native species

2 years imprisonment

If you release any animal that is not normally found in the wild in Great Britain, or if you plant any invasive plant listed in Schedule 9, you commit a criminal offence. The offence can be defended only if you can show you took all reasonable steps and exercised due diligence to avoid it. Conviction can lead to a fine and/or imprisonment, although the exact penalties are set elsewhere in the Act.

Any Person s.14 APHA

Remove or disturb limestone on protected land

Unlimited fine

If you take, move or otherwise disturb limestone on land that has been protected by a limestone‑pavement order and you cannot show a reasonable excuse (for example, you have not got the relevant planning permission), you commit a criminal offence. You can be fined – the amount is unlimited – and the case can be heard in either a magistrates’ court or a Crown Court.

Any Person s.34 APHA

Sell or advertise invasive animals or plants

Unlimited fine

If you sell, offer for sale, keep for sale, transport for sale, or publish an advertisement that you are buying or selling any invasive animal or plant, you commit a criminal offence. The offence can be prosecuted against any person or business that deals in such species. Conviction can lead to a fine (often unlimited) and possibly imprisonment, depending on how the court proceeds.

Any Person s.14A APHA

Sell or advertise live or dead wild birds, eggs or parts illegally

6 months imprisonment

If your business sells, offers for sale, possesses, transports for sale, or advertises any live or dead wild bird, egg or part of an egg that is not listed as an exception in Schedule 3, you are committing a criminal offence. The same applies if you display such birds in a competition. Conviction can lead to a fine and/or imprisonment.

Any Person s.6 APHA

Sell or advertise prohibited wildlife or plants

2 years imprisonment

If you sell, offer for sale, possess, transport for sale, or advertise any animal or plant that appears in Schedule 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 – or anything that can be used to reproduce them – you are committing a criminal offence. This applies to businesses that trade in pets, plants, horticultural stock, or any other wildlife that is protected under the Act. Conviction can result in a fine (normally unlimited) and/or imprisonment, and the offence can be prosecuted by the APHA, Forestry Commission, Natural England or Natural Resources Wales.

Any Person s.14ZA APHA

Sell, possess or advertise illegally taken wildlife

6 months imprisonment

If you keep, sell, transport or advertise any wild hare, rabbit or similar animal that has been killed or taken unlawfully (i.e. in breach of sections 10A or 11G), you commit a criminal offence. The offence also covers any part of the animal or any product derived from it. Conviction can lead to a fine and/or a short prison term, depending on how the case is tried.

Any Person s.11I APHA

Tamper with SSSI notice or sign

Fine up to £2,500

If you intentionally or recklessly remove, damage, destroy or hide a notice or sign that Natural England has placed on a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), you commit an offence. Conviction is dealt with in the magistrates’ court and can result in a fine of up to £2,500.

Any Person s.28S APHA

Use illegal methods to kill or take wild birds

6 months imprisonment

If you set traps, use prohibited weapons, decoys, vehicles or any device to kill or capture wild birds – or allow others to do so – you commit a criminal offence. The offence applies to any person, including businesses that may carry out or permit such activities. Conviction can result in a fine and/or imprisonment, but the exact penalties are set out elsewhere in the Act.

Any Person s.5 APHA

Use prohibited methods to kill or take wild animals

6 months imprisonment

If you set, use, or allow any of the listed prohibited devices – such as self‑locking snares, glue traps, bows, explosives, electric devices, poisons, nets, firearms, lights or sound recordings – to kill, take or restrain wild animals, you commit a criminal offence. The offence also covers failing to inspect snares daily when required. Conviction can lead to a fine (potentially unlimited) and/or up to six months’ imprisonment.

Any Person s.11 APHA

Registration and licensing 2

Register SSSI enlargement as a local land charge

If Natural England expands a Site of Special Scientific Interest that includes land you own or occupy, you must record the enlargement as a local land charge and remove any previous charge on that land. This ensures the new SSSI boundaries are recognised for planning and other land‑use decisions.

Occupier s.28C APHA When Natural England notifies you of an SSSI enlargement affecting your land

Register SSSI land as a local land charge

Unlimited fine

If any part of your land is found to be a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), Natural England will send you notice. That notice creates a legal land charge you must register at the Land Registry and comply with any restrictions listed. Failing to do this can lead to enforcement action.

Occupier s.28 APHA Receiving a formal SSSI notification from Natural England

Penalties for non-compliance

41 penalties under this legislation. 23 can result in imprisonment. 33 carry an unlimited fine.

Prison risk

Inspect snares daily and remove triggered devices

Unlimited fine and/or 6 months imprisonment

Summary only s.11B Penalises: Inspect snares daily and remove triggered devices
Prison risk

Attempt to commit wildlife offence or possess tools for it

Unlimited fine and/or 6 months imprisonment

Either way s.18 Penalises: Attempt to commit wildlife offence or possess tools …
Prison risk

Obstruct or fail to cooperate with wildlife inspectors

Unlimited fine and/or 2 years imprisonment

Summary only s.19XB Penalises: Attempt to commit wildlife offence or possess tools …
Prison risk

Breach invasive alien species rules

Unlimited fine and/or 2 years imprisonment

Either way s.14AA Penalises: Breach invasive alien species rules
Prison risk

Contravention of emergency invasive‑species restrictions

Unlimited fine and/or 2 years imprisonment

Either way s.14AB Penalises: Contravention of emergency invasive‑species restrictions
Prison risk

Fail to comply with a species control order

Unlimited fine and/or 6 months imprisonment

Either way s.14K Penalises: Fail to comply with a species control order
Prison risk

Keep captive birds in inadequate cages or organise bird‑shooting events

Unlimited fine and/or 6 months imprisonment

Either way s.8 Penalises: Keep captive birds in inadequate cages or organise …
Prison risk

Keep invasive animal or plant without permission

Unlimited fine and/or 2 years imprisonment

Either way s.14ZC Penalises: Keep invasive animal or plant without permission
Prison risk

Keep or dispose of unregistered captive birds

Unlimited fine and/or 6 months imprisonment

Summary only s.7 Penalises: Keep or dispose of unregistered captive birds
Prison risk

Kill, injure or take protected wild animals

Unlimited fine and/or 6 months imprisonment

Summary only s.11G Penalises: Kill, injure or take protected wild animals
Prison risk

Kill, injure or take protected wild hares in close season

Unlimited fine and/or 6 months imprisonment

Summary only s.10A Penalises: Kill, injure or take protected wild hares in …
Prison risk

Kill, injure, take or possess wild birds, nests or eggs

Unlimited fine and/or 6 months imprisonment

Summary only s.1 Penalises: Kill, injure, take or possess wild birds, nests …
Prison risk

Kill, injure, take or trade protected wild animals

Unlimited fine and/or 6 months imprisonment

Either way s.9 Penalises: Kill, injure, take or trade protected wild animals
Prison risk

Kill, take or disturb protected birds in a Special Protection Area

Unlimited fine and/or 6 months imprisonment

Summary only s.3 Penalises: Kill, take or disturb protected birds in a …
Prison risk

Make false statements to obtain wildlife registration or licence

Unlimited fine and/or 6 months imprisonment

Summary only s.17 Penalises: Make false statements to obtain wildlife registration or …
Prison risk

Partner or manager causes wildlife offence by partnership/association

Unlimited fine and/or 6 months imprisonment

Summary only s.69A Penalises: Partner or manager causes wildlife offence by partnership/association
Prison risk

Pick, uproot, destroy or trade protected wild plants

Unlimited fine and/or 6 months imprisonment

Either way s.13 Penalises: Pick, uproot, destroy or trade protected wild plants
Prison risk

Release or plant prohibited non‑native species

Unlimited fine and/or 2 years imprisonment

Either way s.14 Penalises: Release or plant prohibited non‑native species
Prison risk

Sell or advertise live or dead wild birds, eggs or parts illegally

Unlimited fine and/or 6 months imprisonment

Summary only s.6 Penalises: Sell or advertise live or dead wild birds, …
Prison risk

Sell or advertise prohibited wildlife or plants

Unlimited fine and/or 2 years imprisonment

Either way s.14ZA Penalises: Sell or advertise prohibited wildlife or plants
Prison risk

Sell, possess or advertise illegally taken wildlife

Unlimited fine and/or 6 months imprisonment

Summary only s.11I Penalises: Sell, possess or advertise illegally taken wildlife
Prison risk

Use illegal methods to kill or take wild birds

Unlimited fine and/or 6 months imprisonment

Summary only s.5 Penalises: Use illegal methods to kill or take wild …
Prison risk

Use prohibited methods to kill or take wild animals

Unlimited fine and/or 6 months imprisonment

Either way s.11 Penalises: Use prohibited methods to kill or take wild …
Unlimited fine

Notify Natural England and observe waiting periods before granting work permission

Unlimited fine

Either way s.28I Penalises: Notify Natural England and observe waiting periods before …
Unlimited fine

Obtain and comply with a section 16AA licence for killing/taking protected birds

Unlimited fine

s.16AA Penalises: Obtain and comply with a section 16AA licence …
Unlimited fine

Take reasonable steps to conserve SSSI features

Unlimited fine

Either way s.28G Penalises: Take reasonable steps to conserve SSSI features
Unlimited fine

Notify National Park Authority before agricultural work on moor or heath

Unlimited fine

Either way s.42 Penalises: Notify National Park Authority before agricultural work on …
Unlimited fine

Fail to comply with restoration order after SSSI damage

Unlimited fine

Summary only s.31 Penalises: Fail to comply with restoration order after SSSI …
Unlimited fine

Obstruct wildlife inspector or refuse to provide/assist with sample taking

Unlimited fine

Summary only s.19ZD Penalises: Obstruct wildlife inspector or refuse to provide/assist with …
Unlimited fine

Possess pesticides with prescribed active ingredients

Unlimited fine

Either way s.15A Penalises: Possess pesticides with prescribed active ingredients
Unlimited fine

Remove or disturb limestone on protected land

Unlimited fine

Either way s.34 Penalises: Remove or disturb limestone on protected land
Unlimited fine

Sell or advertise invasive animals or plants

Unlimited fine

Either way s.14A Penalises: Sell or advertise invasive animals or plants
Unlimited fine

Fail to comply with SSSI protection duty (section 28E)

Unlimited fine

Either way s.28P Penalises: Register SSSI land as a local land charge
Fine

Tamper with SSSI notice or sign

Fine up to £2,500

Summary only s.28S Penalises: Tamper with SSSI notice or sign
Fine

Allow a bull onto land crossed by a public right of way

Fine up to £1,000

Summary only s.59 Penalises: Allow a bull onto land crossed by a …
Fine

Intentionally obstruct an authorised inspector entering land

Fine up to £1,000

Summary only s.51 Penalises: Intentionally obstruct an authorised inspector entering land
Fine

Fail to notify Natural England of SSSI ownership/occupation change

Fine up to £200

Summary only s.28Q Penalises: Fail to notify Natural England of SSSI ownership/occupation …
Fine

Obstruct authorised wildlife inspection

Fine up to £200

Summary only Schedule 10 Penalises: Obstruct authorised wildlife inspection
Fine

Plough a footpath, bridleway or highway without permission

Fine up to £200

Summary only s.61 Penalises: Plough a footpath, bridleway or highway without permission
Fine

Fail to notify presence of invasive animals or plants

Penalty applies

s.14B Penalises: Fail to notify presence of invasive animals or …
Fine

Obstruct a wildlife inspector or refuse assistance

Penalty applies

Summary only s.19ZC Penalises: Obstruct a wildlife inspector or refuse assistance

Practical guidance

Our guides explain how to comply with the requirements above.

Sections and provisions

192 classified provisions from this legislation.

Duties 22

  • s.11B Snares: duty to inspect etc.
  • s.14ZB Codes of practice in connection with species which are non-native or included in Schedule 9 The Secretary of State
  • s.14N Species control orders: entry by warrant etc. a sheriff or justice
  • s.14G Notice of species control orders occupier of the premises
  • s.16AA Licensing: land on which certain birds may be killed or taken
  • s.18F Restrictions on taking of samples from live specimens
  • s.23 Advisory bodies and their functions. an advisory body
  • s.25 Functions of local authorities. local authority
  • s.28H Statutory undertakers, etc.: duty in relation to carrying out operations.
  • s.28M Payments.
  • s.28I Statutory undertakers, etc.: duty in relation to authorising operations.
  • s.28 Sites of special scientific interest. Natural England
  • s.28D Denotification. the persons whom they
  • s.28G Statutory undertakers, etc.: general duty.
  • s.28C Enlargement of SSSI. the persons whom they
  • s.32 Duties of agriculture Ministers with respect to areas of special scientific interest.
  • s.33 Ministerial guidance as respects areas of special scientific interest. alterations proposed
  • s.37A Ramsar sites.
  • s.41 Duties of agriculture Ministers with respect to the countryside. reference in this section
  • s.42 Notification of agricultural operations on moor and heath in National Parks. account
  • ... and 2 more duties

Offences and penalties 45

  • Schedule 1 Birds which are Protected by Special Penalties
  • s.1 Protection of wild birds, their nests and eggs.
  • s.3 Areas of special protection.
  • s.4 Exceptions to ss. 1 and 3.
  • s.5 Prohibition of certain methods of killing or taking wild birds.
  • s.6 Sale etc. of live or dead wild birds, eggs etc.
  • s.7 Registration etc. of certain captive birds.
  • s.8 Protection of captive birds.
  • s.9 Protection of certain wild animals.
  • s.10 Exceptions to s. 9.
  • s.10B Exceptions to s. 10A
  • Schedule 10 Amendment of the Endangered Species (Import and Export) Act 1976
  • s.10A Protection of wild hares etc.
  • s.11 Prohibition of certain methods of killing or taking wild animals.
  • s.11H Exceptions to s. 11G
  • s.11I Sale, possession etc. of wild hares, rabbits etc. killed or taken unlawfully
  • s.11G Prevention of poaching: wild hares, rabbits etc.
  • s.13 Protection of wild plants.
  • s.14K Offences in relation to species control orders
  • s.14A Prohibition on sale etc. of invasive animals or plants
  • ... and 25 more offences and penalties

Powers 41

  • s.14O Species control orders: powers of entry: supplemental
  • s.14L Enforcement of operations under species control orders
  • s.14C Non-native species etc. : code of practice
  • s.14J Review of species control orders
  • s.15 Endangered species (import and export).
  • Schedule 15 Procedure in Connection with Certain Orders Under Part III
  • s.16AB Appeals relating to section 16AA licences
  • s.16A Delegation of licence-granting power: Scotland
  • s.16AF Report on operation and effect of section 16AA licences: delegation
  • s.16AD Section 16AA Licence: delegation of power in relation to code of practice
  • s.18D Group 2 offences and licences etc. : power to enter premises
  • s.18B Group 1 offences and licences: power to enter premises
  • s.18C Group 1 offences and licences: examining specimens and taking samples
  • s.18E Group 2 offences: examining specimens and taking samples
  • s.19ZB Power to take samples.
  • s.19XA Constables' powers in connection with samples
  • s.22 Power to vary Schedules.
  • s.24 Functions of GB conservation bodies
  • s.26 Regulations, orders, notices etc.
  • s.28CB Power to call in subtidal notifications
  • ... and 21 more powers

Definitions 29

  • Schedule 11 Procedure in Connection with Certain Orders under Part II
  • s.14F Content of species control orders
  • s.14P Interpretation of sections 14 to 14O
  • s.14E Emergency species control orders
  • s.18A Wildlife inspectors
  • s.26B Annual report on wildlife crime
  • s.27 Interpretation of Part I.
  • s.28N Compulsory purchase.
  • s.28B Notification of additional land.
  • s.34A Meaning of “appropriate conservation body” the appropriate conservation body
  • s.35 National nature reserves.
  • s.44 Grants and loans for purposes of National Parks.
  • s.50 Payments under certain agreements offered by authorities.
  • s.52 Interpretation of Part II.
  • s.56 Effect of definitive map and statement.
  • s.66 Interpretation of Part III. bridleway byway open to all traffic footpath
  • s.66A Application of Part 1 to Crown
  • s.67 Application of Parts 2 and 3 to Crown land
  • s.70 Financial provisions.
  • s.71 General interpretation. the 1949 Act the 1968 Act
  • ... and 9 more definitions

Exemptions 10

  • s.2 Exceptions to s. 1.
  • s.14M Species control orders: powers of entry
  • s.14D Power to make species control orders
  • s.16AC Section 16AA Licence: code of practice
  • s.16 Power to grant licences.
  • s.19 Enforcement.
  • s.28E Duties in relation to sites of special scientific interest.
  • s.58 Application of ss. 53 to 57 to inner London.
  • s.70A Service of notices.
  • Schedule 2 Birds which may be Killed or Taken