Written Question · S2W-04219 · Session 2
What provision is made in the Nature Conservation (Scotland) Bill to prevent the human disturbance of the communal, non-breeding roosts of …
The question
To ask the Scottish Executive what provision is made in the Nature Conservation (Scotland) Bill to prevent the human disturbance of the communal, non-breeding roosts of species that are listed on schedule 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and Annexe 1 of the EU Birds Directive 79/409/EEC such as white-tailed eagles, red kites, hen harrier and marsh harrier.
The answer
White-tailed eagles, redkites, hen harriers and marsh harriers are all specially protected under theWildlife and Countryside Act 1981. The act implements the United Kingdom’sprincipal obligations under the birds directive.
It is an offence tointentionally kill, injure or take such birds; or to disturb them, or theirdependent young, whilst on or near the nest. It is also an offence to take ordestroy the eggs of any wild bird. The Nature Conservation (Scotland)Bill further enhances the protection of birds, including by introducing theoffence of recklessly committing such acts.
Extending protection to thecommunal roost sites of certain species was suggested by the Royal Society forthe Protection of Birds in the course of consultation on the draft bill. But Iam not aware of any detailed evidence or data to suggest that communal roostsites are under particular threat from human disturbance, or that the level ofprotection afforded by the new bill is inadequate.
It is an offence tointentionally kill, injure or take such birds; or to disturb them, or theirdependent young, whilst on or near the nest. It is also an offence to take ordestroy the eggs of any wild bird. The Nature Conservation (Scotland)Bill further enhances the protection of birds, including by introducing theoffence of recklessly committing such acts.
Extending protection to thecommunal roost sites of certain species was suggested by the Royal Society forthe Protection of Birds in the course of consultation on the draft bill. But Iam not aware of any detailed evidence or data to suggest that communal roostsites are under particular threat from human disturbance, or that the level ofprotection afforded by the new bill is inadequate.
In the Official Report
No contribution in the Official Report cites S2W-04219 by reference.