Module Identifier RS22510  
Module Title COUNTRYSIDE LAW  
Academic Year 2001/2002  
Co-ordinator To Be Arranged  
Semester Semester 1  
Assessment Essay     50%  
  Exam   2 Hours   50%  

Brief description


To enable the students to identify and evaluate the source, development, implementation and enforcement of countryside law.

Learning outcomes


On completion of the module the students will be able to:


1. Summarise the political evolution of environmental and countryside law in the UK


2. Describe the processes of making law - Acts of Parliament and case law.


3. Discuss the influence of European environmental legislation on domestic countryside law


4. Identify a number of staturoty and case laws related to access, wildlife and landscape conservation, public safety, pollution and waste control.


5. Discuss emerging and current issues related to countryside law.


6. Describe some processes of monitoring, and limitations to enforcing the law, including the role of statutory agencies and the voluntary sector.

Syllabus / Curriculum design


The module is based on a series of thematic lectures and workshops. Initially, the focus will be on the historical development of a political rationale for countryside law, as an enabling and a regulating tool. The earlier part of the module will also discuss how law is made, both in Parliament and in the courts, through the discussion of a range of case studies.


Specific laws that relate to key topics such as access and recreation, conservation and pollution control will be described. The influence of European legislation will be described with reference to key areas, including wildlife protection and environmental assessment. The assignment will consider this aspect of the module.


The role of regulatory bodies and the NGOs will be discussed, and will entail presentations by outside speakers.


The workshops will encourage collaborative working and presentations on selected areas of countryside law.

Reading Lists

Books
Parkes, C. (1995) The law of the countryside.
Murdie, A. (1993) Environmental law and citzen action.
Parkes, C and Thornley, J. (1989) Fair Game: the law of country sports and the protection of wildlife.
Polden, M and Jackson, S. (1994) The environment and the law. A practical guide.
Reid, C. (1994) Nature conservation law.
Riddall, F and Trevelyan, J. (1992) Rights of way: a guide to law and practice.
Ross, M. (1995) Planning and the heritage. 2nd. Routledge
Ball, S and McGillivray. (2000) Environmental law.
Clayden, P. (1985) Our common land: the law and history of commons and village greens.
Garner, J F. (1993) Garner's rights of way. 6th. Longman
Garner, J F. (1997) Countryside law. 3rd. Shaw
Gregory, M. (1994) Conservation law in the countryside.