The Scottish Government has introduced the Wildlife and Natural Environment (Scotland) Act to make the law on wildlife and the natural environment more efficient, effective and proportionate. The Act came into force on 7 April.
The Act will support sustainable economic activity, particularly in the countryside, and to preserve the high quality of the natural environment for the benefit of the public and many rural businesses.
Main purposes of the Wildlife and Natural Environment Act
- Modernise deer management legislation, including recreational deer stalking.
- Modernise and deregulate game law (relating to game birds and ground game), including the abolishment of game licences.
- Introduce new rules on snaring, including the training of snare operators.
- Ensure badger licensing legislation is consistent with that of other species.
- Control, contain and eradicate invasive non-native species.
- Improve the administration of species licensing.
- Abolish the Areas of Special Protection designation.
- Increase flexibility in how muirburn (controlled burning of heather, grass and other moorland) is carried out.
- Improve Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) legislation.
Who does the Wildlife and Natural Environment Act affect?
The Act affects farmers, land managers, forestry businesses, gamekeepers, shooting estates and land developers.
Why is the Act needed?
The Act is needed to modernise outdated laws and to correct anomalies and weaknesses in current laws. It will make it easier for businesses to comply with the legislation while helping to protect and enhance the natural environment for future generations.
Further information on the Wildlife and Natural Environment Act
Wildlife and Natural Environment (Scotland) Act 2011
Scottish Parliament: Wildlife and Natural Environment (Scotland) Bill
View the previous consultations.
Scottish Parliament: Call for views on the Wildlife and Natural Environment Bill
Scottish Government: Wildlife and Natural Environment Bill consultation
Scottish Government: Wildlife and Natural Environment Bill consultation report
Read more about conservation and biodiversity
Business Gateway: Conservation and biodiversity - an overview
