EXPLANATORY NOTE
(This note is not part of the Order)

This Order appoints 17th August 2011 as the day for the coming into operation of the following provisions of the Wildlife and Natural Environment Act (Northern Ireland) 2011—

(a)

Sections 1 to 3 which introduces a new statutory duty upon government and public bodies to take action to further the conservation of biodiversity;

(b)

Sections 4 to 10 and 12 to 28 which make amendments to the Wildlife (Northern Ireland) Order 1985 to provide enhanced protection for wildlife, stronger enforcement powers to deal with wildlife crime and enhanced powers to manage the wild deer population;

(c)

Sections 29 to 34 which amend the Environment (Northern Ireland) Order 2002 to enhance protection of areas of special scientific interest;

(d)

Section 36 which removes restrictions on when legally taken game can be sold and Section 37 which gives the Department a power to give special protection to game birds during the hunting season;

(e)

Section 38 which prohibits hare coursing; and

(f)

Section 39 which deals with consequential amendments to existing statute and repeals.