Protecting wild birds: Consultation on Amending the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 which allows certain species of wild birds to be killed or taken outside of their close seasons

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Closes 17 May 2026

Protecting wild birds: Consultation on Amending the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 which allows certain species of wild birds to be killed or taken outside of their close seasons

We are the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. We are responsible for improving and protecting the environment, growing the green economy, sustaining thriving rural communities and supporting our world-class food, farming and fishing industries.

We work closely with our 33 agencies and arm’s length bodies on our ambition to make our air purer, our water cleaner, our land greener and our food more sustainable. Our mission is to restore and enhance the environment for the next generation, and to leave the environment in a better state than we found it.

The Scottish Government

The Environment and Forestry Directorate works to protect and enhance Scotland's natural environment and resources, providing scientific support and an integrated evidence base for environmental and rural economic policies.

We are responsible for:

  • playing a full role in tackling the global climate emergency and limiting temperature rise to 1.5°C
  • protecting and restoring Scotland's nature with flourishing biodiversity and clean and healthy air, water, seas and soils
  • promoting the wise use and reuse of resources to end throw-away culture
  • conserving and growing our natural assets through a thriving, sustainable economy
  • supporting a fairer, healthier, more inclusive society through a healthy environment

The Welsh Government

The Marine and Biodiversity Division within the Welsh government's Environment Directorate, leads Welsh government’s work to protect, restore and sustainably manage Wales’ terrestrial and marine natural environment. Its role spans delivering Ministerial and Programme for Government commitments, providing expert advice across government, and driving forward programmes that enhance biodiversity and ecosystem resilience.

Our responsibilities include:

  • Leading key Ministerial and Programme for Government commitments, including habitat restoration and biodiversity target development.
  • Providing ecological, scientific and veterinary advice across government, including responses to wildlife health issues.
  • Delivering major nature recovery programmes, including Nature Networks, Marine Protected Areas and Bee Health.
  • Overseeing and fund grant schemes supporting conservation and ecosystem resilience across land and sea.
  • Contributing evidence and expertise to wider policy areas, including climate resilience, farming reform and biodiversity target setting under the Global Biodiversity Framework.
  • Working with delivery partners including Natural Resources Wales, eNGOs, Local Authorities, National Parks and sector groups to support nature recovery and sustainable management.

© Crown copyright 2026

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This publication is available at www.gov.uk/defra 

Any enquiries regarding this publication should be sent to us at:

Wildlife Crime & Management team,

Defra, Seacole Building, 2 Marsham Street, London SW1P 4DF

WildlifeManagementAndCrime@defra.gov.uk