OpenLegislation

Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 in Scotland

1981 c. 69 · Enacted 30 October 1981 · Extends to United Kingdom

Not fully up to date. 48 changes made by later legislation have not yet been written into this text, which is revised to 26 October 2026.

See the changes not yet applied
ProvisionChangeMade by
s. 54Awords inserted in earlier affecting provision 2000 c. 37, Sch. 5 para. 4Legislation (Procedure, Publication and Repeals) (Wales) Act 2025 Sch. 1 para. 55
Sch. 15 para. 10A(4)substitutedPlanning (Consequential Provisions) (Wales) Act 2026 Sch. 2 para. 187(b)
s. 27AA(2)(b)words substitutedPlanning (Consequential Provisions) (Wales) Act 2026 Sch. 2 para. 177
s. 28F(10)words insertedPlanning (Consequential Provisions) (Wales) Act 2026 Sch. 2 para. 178(a)
s. 28F(11)words insertedPlanning (Consequential Provisions) (Wales) Act 2026 Sch. 2 para. 178(b)
s. 28F(12)substitutedPlanning (Consequential Provisions) (Wales) Act 2026 Sch. 2 para. 178(d)
s. 28G(4)words insertedPlanning (Consequential Provisions) (Wales) Act 2026 Sch. 2 para. 179
s. 28L(12)words insertedPlanning (Consequential Provisions) (Wales) Act 2026 Sch. 2 para. 180(a)
s. 28L(13)words insertedPlanning (Consequential Provisions) (Wales) Act 2026 Sch. 2 para. 180(b)
s. 28L(14)substitutedPlanning (Consequential Provisions) (Wales) Act 2026 Sch. 2 para. 180(d)
s. 28P(4)(a)words insertedPlanning (Consequential Provisions) (Wales) Act 2026 Sch. 2 para. 181
s. 34(5)words insertedPlanning (Consequential Provisions) (Wales) Act 2026 Sch. 2 para. 182(a)
s. 34(6)words substitutedPlanning (Consequential Provisions) (Wales) Act 2026 Sch. 2 para. 182(b)
s. 37A(2B)words substitutedPlanning (Consequential Provisions) (Wales) Act 2026 Sch. 2 para. 183
s. 52(2ZA)insertedPlanning (Consequential Provisions) (Wales) Act 2026 Sch. 2 para. 184
s. 70A(1)words insertedPlanning (Consequential Provisions) (Wales) Act 2026 Sch. 2 para. 185(a)
s. 70A(2)words substituted (cond.)Planning (Consequential Provisions) (Wales) Act 2026 Sch. 2 para. 185(b)(i)
s. 70A(2)words inserted (cond.)Planning (Consequential Provisions) (Wales) Act 2026 Sch. 2 para. 185(b)(ii)
s. 70A(2)words omitted by virtue of 2015 c. 20, Sch. 7 para. 10A (as inserted) (cond.)Planning (Consequential Provisions) (Wales) Act 2026 Sch. 2 para. 420
Sch. 10A para. 4(4)words insertedPlanning (Consequential Provisions) (Wales) Act 2026 Sch. 2 para. 186(a)
Sch. 10A para. 4(5)insertedPlanning (Consequential Provisions) (Wales) Act 2026 Sch. 2 para. 186(b)
s. 26(2)(a)word repealedWildlife Management and Muirburn (Scotland) Act 2024 s. 7(7)(a)(i)
s. 16A(5B)insertedWildlife Management and Muirburn (Scotland) Act 2024 s. 7(4)(c)
s. 16A(7)words insertedWildlife Management and Muirburn (Scotland) Act 2024 s. 7(4)(d)
s. 16A(ab)insertedWildlife Management and Muirburn (Scotland) Act 2024 s. 7(4)(b)
s. 17word insertedWildlife Management and Muirburn (Scotland) Act 2024 s. 7(5)
s. 21(ga)(gb)insertedWildlife Management and Muirburn (Scotland) Act 2024 s. 7(6)
s. 26(3)(a)word repealedWildlife Management and Muirburn (Scotland) Act 2024 s. 7(7)(b)(i)
s. 26(3)(c)insertedWildlife Management and Muirburn (Scotland) Act 2024 s. 7(7)(b)(ii)
s. 12A-12G and cross-headinginsertedWildlife Management and Muirburn (Scotland) Act 2024 s. 7(2)
s. 16(3)words insertedWildlife Management and Muirburn (Scotland) Act 2024 s. 7(3)
s. 27(1)words insertedWildlife Management and Muirburn (Scotland) Act 2024 s. 7(8)
s. 16A(1A)insertedWildlife Management and Muirburn (Scotland) Act 2024 s. 7(4)(a)
s. 26(2)(c)insertedWildlife Management and Muirburn (Scotland) Act 2024 s. 7(7)(a)(ii)
s. 54AinsertedCountryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 Sch. 5 para. 4
Sch. 14 para. 5(1)words substitutedDeregulation Act 2015 Sch. 7 para. 11(3)
Sch. 14 headingword insertedDeregulation Act 2015 Sch. 7 para. 11(2)
Sch. 14AinsertedDeregulation Act 2015 Sch. 7 para. 7
Sch. 15 para. 13(2)words substitutedDeregulation Act 2015 Sch. 7 para. 12(3)
Sch. 15 headingword insertedDeregulation Act 2015 Sch. 7 para. 12(2)
s. 53(3)(c)(ia)insertedDeregulation Act 2015 Sch. 7 para. 2(b)
s. 53(3)(c)(i)words omittedDeregulation Act 2015 Sch. 7 para. 2(a)
s. 53(5)words substitutedDeregulation Act 2015 Sch. 7 para. 10(a)
s. 53(6)words substitutedDeregulation Act 2015 Sch. 7 para. 10(b)
s. 53B(4A)(4B)insertedDeregulation Act 2015 Sch. 7 para. 4
s. 53ZAinsertedDeregulation Act 2015 Sch. 7 para. 3
Sch. 13AinsertedDeregulation Act 2015 Sch. 7 para. 6
s. 54B 54CinsertedDeregulation Act 2015 Sch. 7 para. 5

An Act to repeal and re-enact with amendments the Protection of Birds Acts 1954 to 1967 and the Conservation of Wild Creatures and Wild Plants Act 1975; to prohibit certain methods of killing or taking wild animals; to amend the law relating to protection of certain mammals; to restrict the introduction of certain animals and plants; to amend the Endangered Species (Import and Export) Act 1976; to amend the law relating to nature conservation, the countryside and National Parks and to make provision with respect to the Countryside Commission; to amend the law relating to public rights of way; and for connected purposes.

[30th October 1981] C1

Annotations to the whole text

Modifications

C1

Act amended (1.4.1996) by S.I. 1996/593, reg. 2 , Sch. 1

Act: certain functions transferred (E.W.) (19.9.1995) by 1995 c. 25, ss. 69(1), 125(2) (with ss. 7(6), 115, Sch. 8 para. 7)

Contents

  1. Part I: Wildlife
  2. Protection of birds and prevention of poaching
  3. 8Protection of captive birds.
  4. Protection of other animals and prevention of poaching
  5. 10AProtection of wild hares etc.
  6. 10BExceptions to s. 10A
  7. 11ASnares: training, identification numbers, tags etc. Repealed
  8. 11BSnares: duty to inspect etc. Repealed
  9. 11CSnares: authorisation from landowners etc. Repealed
  10. 11DSnares: presumption arising from identification number Repealed
  11. 11ESnares: record keeping Repealed
  12. 11FSnaring: review and report to the Scottish Parliament Repealed
  13. 11GPrevention of poaching: wild hares, rabbits etc.
  14. 11HExceptions to s. 11G
  15. 11ISale, possession etc. of wild hares, rabbits etc. killed or taken unlawfully
  16. 12YARelaxation of restriction on night shooting of hares and rabbits
  17. 12Protection of certain mammals.
  18. Protection of plants
  19. Miscellaneous
  20. 14ZCProhibition on keeping etc. of invasive animals or plants
  21. 14AProhibition on sale etc. of invasive animals or plants
  22. 14AAContravention of Invasive Alien Species Regulation
  23. 14ABSection 14AB
  24. 14BNotification of presence of invasive animals or plants etc.
  25. 14CNon-native species etc.: code of practice
  26. 14DPower to make species control orders
  27. 14EEmergency species control orders
  28. 14FContent of species control orders
  29. 14GNotice of species control orders
  30. 14HAppeals in connection with species control orders
  31. 14IComing into effect of species control orders
  32. 14JReview of species control orders
  33. 14KOffences in relation to species control orders
  34. 14LEnforcement of operations under species control orders
  35. 14MSpecies control orders: powers of entry
  36. 14NSpecies control orders: entry by warrant etc.
  37. 14OSpecies control orders: powers of entry: supplemental
  38. 14PInterpretation of sections 14 to 14O
  39. 15Endangered species (import and export).
  40. 15APossession of pesticides
  41. Supplemental
  42. 16AALicensing: land on which certain birds may be killed or taken
  43. 16ABAppeals relating to section 16AA licences
  44. 16ACSection 16AA Licence: code of practice
  45. 16ADSection 16AA Licence: delegation of power in relation to code of practice
  46. 16AEReport on operation and effect of section 16AA licences
  47. 16AFReport on operation and effect of section 16AA licences: delegation
  48. 16ADelegation of licence-granting power: Scotland
  49. 17False statements made for obtaining registration , identification number or licence etc. False statements made for obtaining registration or licence etc.
  50. 18Attempts to commit offences etc.
  51. 19ZCWildlife inspectors: Scotland
  52. 19ZDPower to take samples: Scotland
  53. 19AEvidence in Scotland in certain proceedings.
  54. 23Advisory bodies and their functions.
  55. 25Functions of local authorities.
  56. 26AEnforcement of wildlife legislation
  57. 26BAnnual report on wildlife crime
  58. Part II: Nature Conservation, Countryside and National Parks
  59. Sites of special scientific interest and limestone pavements
  60. 27AConstruction of references to Nature Conservancy Council. Repealed
  61. 27AAApplication of sections 28 to 34 in Wales
  62. 28SNotices and signs relating to SSSIs
  63. 29Special protection for certain areas of special scientific interest. Repealed
  64. 30Compensation where order is made under s. 29. Repealed
  65. 33Ministerial guidance as respects areas of special scientific interest.
  66. Nature reserves, ... and Ramsar sites
  67. 34AMeaning of “appropriate conservation body”
  68. 35National nature reserves.
  69. 35APower to call in subtidal declarations
  70. 36Marine nature reserves. Repealed
  71. 37Byelaws for protection of marine nature reserves. Repealed
  72. 38. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Repealed
  73. Countryside
  74. 41Duties of agriculture Ministers with respect to the countryside.
  75. Miscellaneous and supplemental
  76. 52Interpretation of Part II.
  77. 53APower to include modifications in other orders.
  78. 53BRegister of applications under section 53.
  79. 54ABOATs not to be added to definitive maps. Not yet in force
  80. 57AConsolidation of definitive maps and statements.
  81. 58Application of ss. 53 to 57 to inner London.
  82. Miscellaneous and supplemental
  83. 60. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Repealed
  84. 61Ploughing of public rights of way.
  85. 63Orders creating, extinguishing or diverting footpaths and bridleways.
  86. 64Publication of dedication of footpaths and bridleways.
  87. 65Signposting of byways open to all traffic.
  88. Part IV: Miscellaneous and General
  89. 66BApplication of Part 1 to Crown: Scotland
  90. 67Application of Parts 2 and 3 to Crown land
  91. 68Application to the Isles of Scilly.
  92. 69Offences by bodies corporate etc.
  93. 69AOffences by Scottish partnerships etc.
  94. 70Financial provisions.
  95. 70AService of notices.
  96. 70BEffect of failure to serve certain notices
  97. 71General interpretation.
  98. 72Minor amendments.
  99. 73Repeals and savings.
  100. 74Short title commencement and extent.
  101. Schedule A1Protected nests and nest sites: birds
  102. Schedule 1: Birds which are Protected by Special Penalties
  103. IAt All Times
  104. IIDuring the Close Season
  105. Schedule 1ABirds which are Protected from Harassment
  106. Schedule 2: Birds which may be Killed or Taken
  107. IOutside the Close Season
  108. IAException: birds included in Part I which may not be killed or taken on Sundays or Christmas Day
  109. 1BBirds included in Part 1 which may only be killed or taken on land with section 16AA licence
  110. IIBy Authorised Persons at all Times
  111. Schedule 3: Birds which may be Sold
  112. IAlive at all Times if Ringed and Bred in Captivity
  113. IAAlive if taken in captivity or by certain persons outside close season or during first 28 days of close season
  114. IIDead at all Times
  115. IIADead if killed outside close season by certain persons
  116. IIIDead from 1st September to 28th February
  117. Schedule 4Birds Which Must Be Registered and Ringed if Kept in Captivity
  118. Schedule 5AAnimals which are Protected under Section 10A in their Close Season
  119. Schedule 6Animals which may not be Killed or Taken by Certain Methods
  120. Schedule 6ZAAnimals which may not be killed or taken by trapping or snaring
  121. Schedule 6AAnimals not to be Poached
  122. Schedule 7: Protection of Certain Mammals Amendment of Acts In Relation To Night Shooting of Hares and Rabbits
  123. The Ground Game Act 1880
  124. 1Paragraph 1
  125. The Agriculture (Scotland) Act 1948
  126. 2Paragraph 2
  127. The Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Act 1953
  128. 3Paragraph 3
  129. The Deer Act 1963
  130. 4Paragraph 4
  131. 5Paragraph 5
  132. 6Paragraph 6
  133. The Conservation of Seals Act 1970
  134. 7Paragraph 7
  135. The Badgers Act 1973
  136. 8Paragraph 8 Repealed
  137. 9Paragraph 9 Repealed
  138. 10Paragraph 10 Repealed
  139. 11Paragraph 11 Repealed
  140. 12Paragraph 12 Repealed
  141. Schedule 8Plants which are Protected
  142. Schedule 9: Animals and Plants to which Section 14 Applies
  143. INON-NATIVE Animals which are established in the wild
  144. IIPlants
  145. Part 1: Overview and interpretation
  146. Overview
  147. Definitions relating to species
  148. Environmental authorities
  149. 3Paragraph 3
  150. Owners and dwellings
  151. 4Paragraph 4
  152. Operations
  153. 5Paragraph 5
  154. Part 2: Species control agreements
  155. Making of species control agreements
  156. 6Paragraph 6
  157. Content of species control agreements
  158. 7Paragraph 7
  159. Notice of compliance
  160. 8Paragraph 8
  161. Liability
  162. 9Paragraph 9
  163. Part 3: Species control orders
  164. When a species control order may be made
  165. 10Paragraph 10
  166. What an order must do
  167. 11Paragraph 11
  168. 12Paragraph 12
  169. What an order may do
  170. 13Paragraph 13
  171. Notice
  172. 14Paragraph 14
  173. Revocation
  174. 15Paragraph 15
  175. Appeals
  176. 16Paragraph 16
  177. Notice of compliance
  178. 17Paragraph 17
  179. Enforcement
  180. 18Paragraph 18
  181. Offences
  182. 19Paragraph 19
  183. Liability
  184. 20Paragraph 20
  185. Part 4: Powers of entry
  186. Powers of entry
  187. 21Paragraph 21
  188. Authorisation by justice of the peace
  189. 22Paragraph 22
  190. Authorisation by environmental authority
  191. 23Paragraph 23
  192. Exercise of right of entry
  193. 24Paragraph 24
  194. Part 5: Supplementary
  195. Compensation
  196. 25Paragraph 25
  197. Codes of practice
  198. 26Paragraph 26
  199. 27Paragraph 27
  200. 28Paragraph 28
  201. Schedule 9B: Invasive alien species: defences and licences
  202. Part 1: Interpretation
  203. 1Interpretation
  204. Part 2: Defences
  205. 2Companion animals
  206. 3Commercial stocks
  207. 4Non-commercial owners: receipt of commercial stocks
  208. Part 3: Licences
  209. 5Restrictions
  210. 6Research etc.
  211. 7Keeping animals until the end of their natural lives
  212. 8Eradication measures
  213. 9Management measures
  214. Schedule 10: Amendment of the Endangered Species (Import and Export) Act 1976
  215. Part I: The Amendments
  216. Licences
  217. 1Paragraph 1
  218. Expenses of returning animals and plants to the wild
  219. 2Paragraph 2
  220. Powers of entry
  221. 3Paragraph 3
  222. Power to modify Schedules
  223. 4Paragraph 4
  224. Sale of certain animals or plants or their derivatives
  225. 5Paragraph 5
  226. Part II: Schedule inserted as Schedule 4
  227. EDULE 4Animals the Sale etc. of Which is Restricted
  228. Chapter MAMMALS
  229. 1Paragraph 1
  230. Marsupials
  231. Primates
  232. Edentates
  233. Pangolins
  234. Rabbits and hares
  235. Rodents
  236. Cetaceans
  237. Carnivores
  238. Seals
  239. Elephants
  240. Sea-cows
  241. Odd-toed ungulates
  242. Even-toed ungulates
  243. Chapter BIRDS
  244. 2Paragraph 2
  245. Rheas
  246. Tinamous
  247. Penguins
  248. Grebes
  249. Albatrosses
  250. Pelican-like birds
  251. Storks
  252. Waterfowl
  253. Diurnal Birds of Prey
  254. Gamebirds
  255. Cranes and rails
  256. Waders and Gulls
  257. Pigeons and doves
  258. Parrots
  259. Hummingbirds
  260. Trogons
  261. Owls
  262. Hornbills
  263. Woodpeckers
  264. Songbirds
  265. Part
  266. Chapter: REPTILES
  267. 3Paragraph 3
  268. Crocodilians
  269. Iguanas
  270. Lizards
  271. Snakes
  272. Tuatara
  273. Chelonians
  274. Part
  275. Chapter: AMPHIBIANS
  276. Paragraph
  277. Part
  278. Chapter: FISH
  279. 5Paragraph 5
  280. Part
  281. Chapter: MOLLUSCS
  282. 6Paragraph 6
  283. Part III
  284. Schedule inserted as Schedule 5
  285. Part EDULE 5
  286. Plants the sale etc. of which is restricted
  287. Interpretation
  288. 1Paragraph 1
  289. Appointments
  290. 2Paragraph 2
  291. Powers of appointed person
  292. 3Paragraph 3
  293. Holding of local inquiries and other hearings by appointed persons
  294. 4Paragraph 4
  295. Revocation of appointments and making of new appointments
  296. 5Paragraph 5
  297. Certain acts and omissions of appointed persons to be treated as those of the Secretary of State
  298. 6Paragraph 6
  299. Schedule 11: Procedure in Connection with Certain Orders under Part II
  300. Coming into operation
  301. 1Paragraph 1 Repealed
  302. Publicity for orders
  303. 2Paragraph 2 Repealed
  304. Unopposed orders
  305. 3Paragraph 3 Repealed
  306. Opposed orders
  307. 4Paragraph 4 Repealed
  308. Restriction on power to amend orders or confirm them with modifications
  309. 5Paragraph 5 Repealed
  310. Notice of final decision on orders
  311. 6Paragraph 6 Repealed
  312. Proceedings for questioning validity of orders
  313. 7Paragraph 7 Repealed
  314. Interpretation
  315. 8Paragraph 8 Repealed
  316. Schedule 12: Procedure in Connection With Orders Under Section 36
  317. Consultation
  318. 1Paragraph 1 Repealed
  319. Publicity for draft orders
  320. 2Paragraph 2 Repealed
  321. Unopposed orders
  322. 3Paragraph 3 Repealed
  323. Opposed orders
  324. 4Paragraph 4 Repealed
  325. Restriction on power to make orders with modifications
  326. 5Paragraph 5 Repealed
  327. Local inquiries
  328. 6Paragraph 6 Repealed
  329. Notice of making of orders
  330. 7Paragraph 7 Repealed
  331. Proceedings for questioning validity of orders
  332. 8Paragraph 8 Repealed
  333. Supplemental
  334. 9Paragraph 9 Repealed
  335. Schedule 14: Applications for Certain Orders Under Part III
  336. Form of applications
  337. 1Paragraph 1
  338. Notice of applications
  339. 2Paragraph 2
  340. Determination by authority
  341. 3Paragraph 3
  342. Appeal against a decision not to make an order
  343. 4Paragraph 4
  344. Interpretation
  345. 5Paragraph 5
  346. Schedule 15: Procedure in Connection with Certain Orders Under Part III
  347. Consultation
  348. 1Paragraph 1
  349. Coming into operation
  350. 2Paragraph 2
  351. Publicity for orders
  352. 3Paragraph 3
  353. Representations or objections made with respect to abandoned surveys or reviews
  354. 4Paragraph 4
  355. Severance of orders
  356. 5Paragraph 5
  357. Unopposed orders
  358. 6Paragraph 6
  359. Opposed orders
  360. Restriction on power to confirm orders with modifications
  361. Local inquiries
  362. 9Paragraph 9 Repealed
  363. Appointment of inspectors etc.
  364. 10Paragraph 10
  365. Notice of final decisions on orders
  366. 11Paragraph 11
  367. Proceedings for questioning validity of orders
  368. 12Paragraph 12
  369. Supplemental
  370. 13Paragraph 13
  371. Schedule 16: Orders Creating, Extinguishing or Diverting Footpaths or Bridleways
  372. 1—4Paragraph 1—4 Repealed
  373. The Highways Act 1980
  374. 5Paragraph 5
  375. 6Paragraph 6
  376. 7Paragraph 7
  377. 8Paragraph 8
  378. 9Paragraph 9
  379. Supplemental
  380. 10Paragraph 10
  381. Schedule 17: Enactments repealed
  382. IEnactments repealed one month after the passing of this Act
  383. IIEnactments repealed on a day to be appointed