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.

Brief guide to wild birds and the law

Wild birds in the UK are protected by several laws. Here we give a breakdown of these laws, and the type of protection they give to birds. More...

In 2006, the RSPB received 1,109 reports of potential offences against wild birds. 1,109 incidents is the highest number of reports that has ever been received in one year by the Investigations unit (2001-2005 saw an average of 625 incidents) and the figure is more than double the number of incidents recorded in 2004. More...

Preventing wild bird crime

Despite legal protection, offences against wild birds continue. The RSPB works with other groups and organisations to investigate crimes and bring offenders to justice. Here we highlight our role and the main law enforcement organisations. More...

Sgt Phil Canning holding an illegally poisoned red kite

RSPB Publications

The Investigations Section produces a number of publications relating to wild birds and the law. More...

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
Birdcrime 2007 (514Kb): Birdcrime 2007 report
Legal Eagle 57 (944Kb): The RSPB's investigations newsletter
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.