Amendments
There has been a few simple amendments made to the Wildlife and Countryside Act; word changes, increase in fines, etc. Every 5 years the JNCC coordinates a compulsory review of schedules 5 and 8 to add new species that may need protection (Legislation.gov.uk, 2010). A secretary of state can add or remove species at any time (Legislation.gov.uk, 2010).
Main amendments to the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981
1985- Makes it necessary for local authorities to use Countryside Commission guidelines in deciding whether area with natural beauty are important to conserve. Amendments were made to SSSI documentation, notification periods and maintenance of registers (Legislation.gov.uk, 2010).
1991- Amendment making it an offence to knowingly cause or permit to cause actions listed in sections 5 and 11 (RSPCA, 2004).
1995- Restricts licenses issued to control wildbirds in order to reduce damage to crops, livestock, etc. (RSPCA, 2004)
1998- Variation of schedules 5 and 8; for example, Flamingo Moss (Desmatodon cernuus) was added to schedule 8 as well as 17 other species (Legislation.gov.uk, 2010).
1999- Variation of schedule 9; several species of deer were added to schedule 9 (Legislation.gov.uk, 2010).
2004- Minor amendments of various words (Legislation.gov.uk, 2010).
Amendments from following legislation
1990- The Environmental Protection Act 1990 established English Nature and the Joint Nature Conservation Council. JNCC made responsible for producing guidelines for SSSI selection.
1994- Conservation Regulations 1994. Built on Part I protecting habitats and species by implementing the requirement to assess plans/projects that will impact on European Protected Species.
2000- The Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 strengthened protection of SSSIs; by increased English Nature's enforcement power (allowed to combat neglect, prevent damaging activity, make public bodies responsible for conservation and enhancement of SSSIs) and increasing penalties for damage to a maximum of £20,000 per offence (along with court power to order restoration if damage occurs).
Improved public rights of way giving people access to mountain, moor, heath, down and registered common land.
2006- The National Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 merged English Nature and the Countryside Agency to create Natural England. Introduced new offences involving the intentional and reckless damage of SSSIs.
2009- The Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 allowed the creation of marine conservation zones and with the consent of the secretary of state, the creation of SSSIs below mean low water mark. (Defra, 2009b)
2011- The Wildlife and Natural Environment (Scotland) Act 2011 made some major amendments with regard to control of non-native species, the protection of birds, protection of hares and rabbits and associated poaching.
Read more about this topic: Wildlife And Countryside Act 1981
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