Module description
This course will consider the legal protection of wildlife species and habitats under International, European Community and
domestic United Kingdom Law. The course will consider, firstly, the protection of individual species of rare animal and birds
under, inter alia, International Treaty provisions and Part 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. The course will then
cover the protection and enhancement of natural habitats, and the role of international and domestic law in relation thereto.

Objectives
To provide a critical assessment of the legal techniques used to protect wildlife and wildlife habitats, both in the UK and witihin
the wider European Union, and an understanding of the legal problems of regulating land use for environmental benefits.
Weaknesses in current legal protection will be examined, and areas of possible reform considered.

Syllabus
1. Habitat and Species Protection

The international framework.

2. Protection of Species in UK Law

The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and specific wildlife measures (Badgers Act 1973, etc).

3. The Law of the Common Agricultural Policy

Pressures on land use and conservation policy generated by the farm policies of the EU. Reform of the CAP and the
environment. "Agri-environment schemes are their implementation in the UK.

4. Habitat Protection under EU Law

The EU Habitats Directive and implementation in the United Kingdom.

5. Habitat Protection in the United Kingdom

Part 2 Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. Designation of sites for protection as SSSI's, environmentally sensitive areas, nature
reserves et al.

6. Management Contracts and Conservation Management of Land

Availability of management agreements and grants under eg. Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, Countryside Act 1968,
Agriculture Act 1986. Terms of agreements, and legal problems of enforcement.