Legislation

The main legislation seeking to protect our natural environment is:

• The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended)
  This is the primary legislation affecting wildlife in England and includes schedules of protected animals and plants
• The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010
  These regulations cover the UK's obligations under the European Commission Habitats Directive on the conservation of natural habitats, wild animals and plants
• The Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000
  This legislation strengthens the statutory provision to conserve biodiversity, protect wildlife and Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).
• The Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006
  Amongst other measures, this act created Natural England and extended the biodiversity duty to public bodies and statutory undertakers to ensure due regard to the conservation of biodiversity.