2.1 Three principle methods were used to gather data and views on the operation of species legislation and proposals for its improvement.

 

2.2 A questionnaire was designed by the contractors and approved by the Project Steering Group(see Appendix 1). This was distributed during November 1998 to 88 organisations and individuals covering a wide range of relevant interests and expertise concerning the operation of species protection legislation (see Appendix 2). The contractors prepared a complete listing of species on Schedules 5 and 8, Habitats Regulations and other species listed as priority by the UK Biodiversity Group. This list, which was customised according to the interests of the organisations and individuals approached, was appended to the questionnaire in order to define clearly the species under consideration in this project (see Appendix 5).

 

The questionnaire sought views on the following:

 

2.3 Interviews were held in November and December 1998 with key individuals and organisations to explore in more detail the issues concerning the effectiveness and appropriateness of species legislation and the effectiveness of alternative approaches. These interviews were either held face to face or conducted by phone. The interviews were conducted using the structure of the questionnaire as a basis for discussion.

 

2.4 In addition to the interviews, 13 Focus Groups were organised in November 1998 to gather views from a wider constituency along broad taxonomic groupings. These took place around Britain to garner a geographically broad spread of views. Focus Groups were organised for the following groups:

 

Focus Groups took place in London, Bath, Peterborough, Edinburgh and Bangor.

 

2.5 Data and views gathered from questionnaire responses appear in Appendix 3. Appendix 4 comprises a comprehensive list of the issues raised and proposals made during interviews and Focus Groups. Information was also gathered during the interviews for the more detailed case studies, which were supported where necessary with follow-up interviews and further research.

 

2.6 The case studies were chosen with approval of the project Steering Group, to cover a range of species and groups of species and to illustrate how species legislation has affected their status taking account of other available conservation measures. Each case study examines the status of the species or group, the threats faced, the effectiveness and appropriateness of legislative and other measures and makes proposals for the future. These case studies appear in Appendix 6.

 

2.7 Information on approaches taken by other countries to provide legal protection to species was also taken into account during this review. In particular, details of current species protection legislation was sought from Finland and the Republic of Ireland through contacts in government departments. Subsequently, specific information was sought on the operation of the legal provisions for species protection in respect of selected species/species groups. Summaries of the information obtained is presented in Appendix 6.

 

2.8 Data on enforcement of Part I of the Wildlife and Countryside Act was gathered from a number of sources including the SNCOs, Police Wildlife Liaison Officers (WLOs), Crown Prosecution Service, Herpetological Conservation Trust, RSPCA and RSPB.

 

 

2.10.1 The project has been carried out in a relatively short period of time, and the period for consultation (November and December 1998) was particularly restricted. Given the time constraints, we feel that the response rate for the questionnaire was remarkably high as was participation in interviews and focus groups. Inevitably, the timetable constraint meant that most participants in focus groups were not in a position to propose 'corporate views' of their organisation on issues of species protection legislation. Equally, some organisations do not have the infrastructure to enable a corporate view to be established. The views presented in the Appendices are therefore a mix of individual expert views and the views of organisations involved in species protection and conservation.

2.10.2 It was not always possible to identify the most appropriate individual to approach in a particular organisation. Some organisations were approached but were unable at the time to respond to questionnaires or to attend focus groups so their views do not form part of this report.