Welcome to Warwickshire County Council

1. Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended).
   This is the main legislation for protection of wildlife in Great Britain. The Act is separated into four parts - Part 1 deals with protection of wildlife. Species offered varying levels of protection by the Act are listed under different Schedules. The most important Schedules in planning terms are Schedule 1 (protected bird species), Schedule 5 (other protected species of animal) and Schedule 8 (protected plant species).
   
   
   
2. Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000.
   The section of the Act entitled 'Nature Conservation' strengthens and updates the Wildlife and Countryside Act legislation for protected species and SSSIs (Sites of Special Scientific Interest). It also places a duty on government departments to take biodiversity into consideration in all their functions.
   
   
   
3. Conservation (Natural Habitats &c) Regulations 1994.
   This legislation lists European protected species of animals under its Schedule 2. Species listed on Schedule 2 are therefore offered a higher level of protection than those only listed on Schedules of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended).
   
   
   
4. Protection of Badgers Act 1992.
   Amongst other things, this legislation makes it an offence to take, kill or injure a badger or disturb its sett.

In addition to wildlife legislation, there are certain pieces of planning legislation that are central to the Ecology Unit's planning advice. These are:

1. Planning Policy Statement 9: Biodiversity and Geological Conservation (2005).
   This sets out planning policies on protection of biodiversity and geological conservation through the planning system. One of the key aims is that planning should have a minimal impact on biodiversity and enhance it where possible.
   
   
   
2. The Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 (the NERC Act)
   Paragraph 40(1) of the Act places a duty on local authorities and other public bodies to consider the conservation of biodiversity when carrying out all of their functions.