What is the purpose of the consultation?
The broad purpose of the consultation is to develop proposals which will modernise outdated statute, address anomalies and weaknesses in current provision to make it more efficient and effective, and enhance the sustainable management of the natural environment for the public interest. It is intended that the consultation will inform development of a Wildlife and Natural Environment Bill which will support sustainable economic activity, especially in the countryside, by ensuring that wildlife and the natural environment legislation is efficient, effective and proportionate.
What policy issues are covered in the consultation?
The consultation seeks views on deer management, game law (game licensing and poaching), invasive non-native species, muirburn, the administration of species licensing, the implementation of Ministerial commitments on snaring, the protection of badgers and a number of issues relating to the operation of SSSI statute.
What is the closing date for responses?
Consultation responses should be submitted to wildlifebill@scotland.gsi.gov.uk no later than Friday September 4, 2009. It is important that a Respondent Information Form is submitted with consultation responses in order that we treat responses appropriately.
Will you publish consultation responses?
Consultation responses which are not marked as confidential will be published within two weeks of the conclusion of the consultation (a link to consultation responses will be provided on this site in due course). You can make arrangements to view responses by contacting the Scottish Government Library on 0131 244 4552. Responses can be copied and sent to you, but a charge may be made for this service.
Will you publish an analysis of consultation responses?
The responses will be systematically analysed and reported, and key messages from the various stakeholder groups will be highlighted. A report and summary of findings will be published in the autumn.
What happens after the consultation?
The Scottish Government will analyse all views expressed in the consultation exercise.
The Scottish Government's current intention is to introduce a Wildlife and Natural Environment Bill to the Parliament at a suitable opportunity.
How can I respond to the consultation?
Consultation responses should be submitted to:
wildlifebill@scotland.gsi.gov.uk
Or
Wildlife and Natural Environment Bill Team
Landscapes and Habitats
The Scottish Government
1A-North
Victoria Quay
Edinburgh
EH6 6QQ
Telephone 0131 244 5450
Fax 0131 244 4071