Brief guide to wild birds and the law

There are several laws protecting wild birds in the UK. The Wildlife and Countryside Act covers England, Scotland and Wales, whilst Northern Ireland has its own legislation. In addition, the Nature Conservation Act gives further protection to wildlife in Scotland. International wildlife trade is governed by CITES.

Use the links below to find out more.

The Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981

The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 is the primary legislation which protects animals, plants, and certain habitats in the UK. Read this summary of the legal protection given to wild birds in England, Wales and Scotland. More...

Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004

The Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004 imposes a wide-ranging duty on Scotland's public sector to conserve biodiversity and protect the nation's precious natural heritage. More...

Scots pine trees silhouetted against dawn at the RSPB Abernethy Forest nature reserve

CITES

CITES (The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) is designed to prevent excessive and unrestricted international trade in wildlife threatening the survival of species in the wild. Over 160 countries are now signatories to the agreement including the UK and all the other EU member states. More...

Back to basics

In more depth

Countryside and Rights of Way Act