Nature and biodiversity protection

Biodiversity and Wildlife incorporates wildlife conservation, wildlife licensing and wildlife crime, and also biodiversity topics including biodiversity litigation, international biodiversity law, UK biodiversity law and policy, and the evolution and background of biodiversity and its key concepts. It includes both species protection and habitats protection, and often has to be taken into account in the context of development. It involves national and European law and international conventions and treaties. For information on the impact of Brexit on the application of environmental law see Practice Note: Brexit—impact on environmental law—EU law after Brexit.

Wildlife Conservation

Wildlife conservation is the practice of protecting endangered plant and animal species, together with their habitats.

Wildlife issues for developers

A developer who has bought, or who is thinking of buying, land for development must consider whether the land is a protected site or is populated by a protected species.

For more information, see:

•
Practice Note: Habitats and wildlife issues for developers
•
Environmental issues in transactions—overview

Protected species

Europe is home to more than 500 wild bird species. However, many of these species need improved conservation measures to continue

To view the latest version of this document and thousands of others like it, sign-in with LexisNexis or register for a free trial.

TAKE A FREE TRIAL

Latest Environment News

The reservoir safety reform programme (Published 9 April 2025)

Environment analysis: The 2025 reservoir safety reform programme introduces a modernised regulatory framework for England and Wales, responding to structural vulnerabilities, climate change pressures, outdated legislation, and a shortage of specialist engineers. Key reforms include revised hazard classification, regulation of smaller reservoirs, strengthened enforcement powers, and a transition to risk-based, proportionate oversight under the Environmental Permitting regime. The overarching objective is to safeguard public safety and infrastructure through preventative regulation, clearer duties, and improved professional standards. Written by Dr Michael J Bowes at 6 Pump Court Chambers.

EA launches record criminal investigations under new water legislation

The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra), in collaboration with the Environment Agency (EA) and spearheaded by Environment Secretary, Steve Reed OBE MP, has launched a record 81 criminal investigations into water companies in England as part of a crackdown on sewage dumping. This initiative represents the largest criminal action against water companies in history, with inspections into sewage pollution increasing by nearly 400% since July 2024. The EA has conducted extensive spot checks, revealing widespread law-breaking, leading to a 145% surge in criminal investigations since the election. Potential penalties for water companies include fines amounting to hundreds of millions of pounds and prison sentences of up to five years for water company executives.

Defra publishes guidance on statutory drainage and wastewater management plans

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has published non-statutory guidelines for sewerage undertakers in England and Wales on the preparation, publication, and maintenance of their Drainage and Wastewater Management Plans (DWMPs) in accordance with section 94 of the Water Industry Act 1991 (WIA 1991). The guidelines may also be relevant to Risk Management Authorities working with sewerage undertakers.

Russia launches WTO dispute against EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism

The World Trade Organization (WTO) has received a request for consultations from Russia challenging the European Union's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). The dispute targets EU Regulation 2023/956 establishing CBAM, Directive 2003/87/EC on emissions trading, and related implementing acts. Russia claims these measures violate multiple WTO agreements, including the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade 1994, the Agreement on Import Licensing Procedures, and the Agreement on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures. The challenge also cites inconsistencies with WTO Accession Protocols of Bulgaria, Croatia, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. The consultation request initiates the WTO's formal dispute settlement process.