Explanatory note

This Order amends Schedule 9 to the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (“the 1981 Act”) and Schedule 2 to the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 (“the 2017 Regulations”).

Article 2 inserts the Eurasian Beaver into Part 1A (native animals) of Schedule 9 to the 1981 Act and omits the Eurasian Beaver from Part 1B (animals no longer normally present) of that Schedule.

Article 3 inserts the Eurasian Beaver into Schedule 2 to the 2017 Regulations, which lists European Protected Species of animals.

Article 4 revokes the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (Variation of Schedule 9) (Wales) Order 2015, which inserted the Eurasian Beaver into Part 1B of Schedule 9 to the 1981 Act.

The Welsh Ministers’ Code of Practice on the carrying out of Regulatory Impact Assessments was considered in relation to this Order. As a result, a regulatory impact assessment has been prepared as to the likely costs and benefits of complying with this Order. A copy can be obtained from the Welsh Government, Cathays Park, Cardiff, CF10 3NQ and is published on www.gov.wales.