The legislative framework covering wildlife protection

Question 1

The primary piece of legislation for wildlife protection in Britain is The Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981. This covers four areas:

Answer 1

Question 2

Animals of notes are:

Answer 2

Question 3

Breaking the law whereabouts are concerned:

Answer 3

Breaking the law can incur significant fines of up to £5000 per incident or even per bat, up to six months in prison and forfeiting the equipment used to commit the crime.

Question 4

Criminal offences relating to Birds:

Answer 4

Penalties that can be imposed for criminal offences in respect of a single bird, nest or egg contrary to the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 is an unlimited fine, up to six months’ imprisonment, or both.

Question 5

Criminal offences relating to barn owls:

Answer 5

You could get an unlimited fine and up to 6 months in prison for each offence if you’re found guilty.

Question 6

Criminal offences relating to Great crested newts:

Answer 6

The penalty for committing an offence can be an unlimited fine. There was a case several years back where a civil engineering company was fined £50,000 for illegally dumping construction waste into a great crested newt habitat

Question 7

The important things to consider when living with any species are:

Answer 7

• The damage they might cause to a property
• The restrictions they impose on the owners and occupants
• The penalties if the legislation is ignored

Question 8

Bats are protected under:

Answer 8

All bat species are designated and protected as European protected species (EPS) under the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017.