Introduction
Scotland's most important habitats are protected by a range of special sites. However, some animals and plants are so threatened by our activities that they need some additional protection everywhere. Therefore in many cases it is an offence for people to kill or capture birds and other animals, or to uproot plants. The law also prohibits the disturbance of some wild creatures, and their nests or resting places, and the picking of any part of some plants.
The purpose of these web pages are to provide an outline guide to
wildlife law in Scotland. If you think that an activity you wish to
undertake might break the law then you need more detailed advice. The
principal sources of recent wildlife law in Scotland are the Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004 and the Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) Amendment
(Scotland) Regulations 2004 but there is a range of other legislation
that is still relevant. Further advice can be obtained by contacting Police
Wildlife Crime Officers - who are appointed by all Police forces in
Scotland, Scottish
Natural Heritage, or The Scottish Executive.
IF YOU WISH TO REPORT A WILDLIFE CRIME YOU SHOULD ALWAYS CONTACT THE POLICE FIRST. The police investigate cases of suspected wildlife crime in conjunction, where appropriate, with specialist help from SNH or other advisers. The Partnership Against Wildlife Crime website has further information about reporting wildlife crime.
We can all help Scotland's wildlife by managing sympathetically the land we may own or occupy, and by behaving thoughtfully in the countryside. Our wildlife is there for everyone to enjoy, and there is no danger of falling foul of the law so long as you are sensible: simply observe without causing any disturbance and do not take anything from the wild unless you are sure it is lawful to do so.