Nature conservation

Nature conservation law is a body of law that seeks to conserve and enhance species that are seen to be in need of protection, the habitats of those species and other habitats of nature conservation importance.

Sources

It is a body of law made up mostly of Acts of Parliament, Statutory Instruments, European Directives and International Conventions.

Means of pursuing its aims

In the case of the former this is generally achieved by administrative measures requiring decision-makers, when deciding on matters likely to affect a site designated for its nature conservation interest, to make their decision in a particular way. The aim of this is to ensure that any effects on the site are fully taken into account in the decision-making process and in the case of European protected sites in particular, likely effects can dictate whether or how any proposal proceeds.

In the case of the latter the prohibitions on harmful acts to protected species are enforced by criminal sanctions. There are exceptions and defences to possible prosecution and in some cases it is possible to get a licence to make lawful an activity that would otherwise be criminal.

Key legislation