Government must work with countryside experts to create practical wildlife law

The Countryside Alliance has responded to The Law Commission's review of wildlife law published today (10 November 2015) which includes recommendations to consolidate the legislation in England and Wales.

In 2010 the Law Commission was asked by Defra to consider Wildlife Law and consulted with all relevant stakeholders before reporting back to the government with these results.

Tim Bonner, chief executive of the Countryside Alliance said: "We support the need to simplify and consolidate wildlife legislation in England and Wales. There is much to be commended in this report, however, we feel an opportunity could be missed to go back to first principles and create wildlife law based on logic, science and evidence.

"The proposed changes could have profound implications for wildlife management and there are areas which far from making the law clearer for those in the rural community who have to operate under it, could make the law more complex. Some of the proposals risk making essential management practices unlawful and further politicising wildlife management issues.

Mr Bonner added: "We will be looking at the detail and implications of the report and look forward to continuing to work with the Government to develop a legislative structure that ensures the long-term future and conservation of our wildlife."