Wild birds and the law

In the UK, all wild birds, their nests and their eggs are protected by law.

In England, Scotland and Wales the legislation that protects wild birds is the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and in Northern Ireland, The Wildlife (Northern Ireland) Order 1985.

In England and Wales the law has been amended by the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 and in Scotland by the Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004.

The amount of protection afforded to wild birds varies depending on whether the species are listed on various Schedules or Licences.

This section explains how wild birds are protected by the law and where you can go to find out more detailed information.

Back to basics

Report a wildlife crime

Downloads

Wild birds and the law - A plain guide to bird protection today (172Kb): A plain guide to bird protection today listing species on Schedules 1 and 9
Wild Birds and The Law: Scotland (572Kb): A plain guide to bird protection in Scotland
Birdcrime 2008 (3.0Mb): Birdcrime 2008 report
Peak Malpractice Update 2007 (270Kb): An RSPB report highlighting the worst year on record for suspected cases of bird of prey persecution in the Dark Peak area of the Peak District.
Legal Eagle 59 (321Kb): The RSPB's investigations newsletter