Wildlife

Many wild animals, including insects, and birds are protected by the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. There is no restriction on taking photographs of any animal or bird but the Act makes it an offence to “disturb” some species when they are at or near their nesting places or places of shelter. This includes disturbing them by taking photographs of them. To photograph protected species at or near their nest or place of shelter, a photographer must have a licence from the relevant authority: English Nature, Scottish Natural Heritage or the Countryside Council for Whales.

A full list of protected birds can be found at http://www.naturenet.net/law/sched1.html and a full list of protected animals at http://www.naturenet.net/law/sced5.html