Introduction to the Wildlife (Jersey) Law 2021
Jersey’s terrestrial, freshwater, and marine habitats support a rich diversity of wildlife. Many of these species are rare or under threat locally or internationally. They need protection from activities that can damage their conservation status or lead to their mistreatment.
The Wildlife (Jersey) Law 2021 (the “Wildlife Law”) is the primary legislation for nature conservation purposes for Jersey. The purpose of this Law is the conservation of wildlife and the promotion of biodiversity conservation in Jersey.
The Wildlife Law protects and conserves wild animals,
birds and plants in Jersey, including its territorial waters. The Law makes it an offence to carry out deliberate or reckless acts affecting protected species, including killing and capturing species and disturbance or damage of nests, dens, and breeding sites.
Protected species include:
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wild fungi
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plants
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invertebrates
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fish
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amphibians
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reptiles
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birds
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mammals
Different levels of protection apply according to the conservation of the species. In addition, defences and exceptions exist for some activities.
Protected species guidance
The guidance gives information on the provisions of the Wildlife Law and what they mean to different species groups. It explains:
- what could be considered offences in terms of disturbance to different species groups
- what is considered to constitute their breeding sites and resting sites
- what actions might damage or destroy breeding sites and resting sites
We would always recommend that you seek professional advice if you are planning works or an activity that may affect a protected species or its habitat, or if you are unsure whether protected species are present on your property.
The following sections provide guidance on how the wildlife law applies to amphibians and reptiles, bats, birds and marine mammal species.
Areas of Special Protection (ASP’s)
Areas of Special Protection (ASP’s) are
areas
designated under the Wildlife (Jersey) Law 2021 to provide legal protection for wild animals, birds or plants from disturbance or harm during critical phases of their life cycle.
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