Legislation and regulation

Understanding Legislation and Regulation

  • Recognise the importance of legislation and regulation in preserving wildlife and maintaining ecological balance.
  • Familiarise with key UK legislation relating to wildlife and conservation, for example, the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006.
  • Understand the purpose of international agreements on conservation, such as the Convention on Biological Diversity and the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands.
  • Gain knowledge of the role of regulatory bodies like the Environment Agency and Natural England in enforcing conservation laws.

Wildlife Protection Laws

  • Understand that the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 protects various species of wild birds, animals and plants, and prohibits certain methods of killing or taking wild animals.
  • Recall key aspects of the Badgers Act 1992 and the Protection of Badgers Act 1992 which makes it illegal to kill, injure or take badgers or interfere with a badger sett.
  • Identify the major prohibitions under the Wild Mammals Protection Act 1996 that safeguards wild mammals from acts of cruelty.

Habitat Protection Laws

  • Explain the impact and provisions of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000, which strengthens protection for Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).
  • Gain insight into the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 that facilitates better protection and planning for the coastal marine environment.
  • Familiarise with the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949, which lays down the structure for the creation of National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Biodiversity and Natural Environment Laws

  • Comprehend the purpose of The Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006, which has provisions for the conservation of biodiversity.
  • Understand the Hedgerows Regulations 1997 designed to protect important hedgerows from removal.
  • Identify the role of The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017, which provides statutory protection for the UK’s European Sites and European Protected Species.

Roles of Regulatory Bodies

  • Understand the role of the Environment Agency in enforcing environment-related regulations and managing flood risks.
  • Grasp the work of the Natural England authority in conserving and enhancing the natural environment in England.
  • Gain insight into the role of the Forestry Commission in protecting and expanding forests and woodlands and increasing their value to society and the environment.

By understanding, memorising, and being able to explain these concepts, you will develop a thorough knowledge of legislation and regulation related to Wildlife and Conservation Management, important for both the exams and future professional pursuits.