Guidance

Birds

Updated 13 June 2023

All species of wild birds are protected.

Offences under The Conservation of Offshore Marine Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 (COHSR) are from 12 to 200 nautical miles.

Offences under section 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) (WCA) are from 0 to 12 nautical miles.

1. Offences

Offences COHSR WCA
Kill or injure X X
Take Ìý X
Capture X Ìý
Possess or keep X X (including eggs)
Damage or destroy place of shelter or protection Ìý X
Take or destroy eggs or nest while in use X X
Disturb X X (while using nest – Schedule 1)
Transport, expose, sell, exchange, advertise for sale Ìý X
Use prohibited or unauthorised method to capture or kill X X

2. Further information

3. Contact information

3.1 Marine Conservation Team

0300 123 1032

conservation@marinemanagement.org.uk