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Brief guide to wild birds and the law
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Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004

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

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. 

Implementation is linked to a national biodiversity strategy that is endorsed by the Scottish Executive. 

The Act strengthens protection for Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs), with maximum fines for intentional or reckless damage to Scotland's most important natural land and wildlife habitat raised from £5,000 to £40,000.

Offences include unauthorised development, wilful fire-raising, the removal of plants or animals and damage caused by motorised vehicles.

What can I do?

Have you seen a crime against a wild bird? Use this form to report a wildlife crime to the RSPB.

Report a wildlife crime