The Wild Creatures and Forest Laws Act 1971 (c. 47) is an act of the Parliament of the United Kingdom. The act implemented recommendations contained in the second report on statute law revision,[4] by the Law Commission.
| Act of Parliament | |
 | |
| Long title | An Act to abolish certain rights of Her Majesty to wild creatures and certain related rights and franchises; to abrogate the forest law (subject to exceptions); and to repeal enactments relating to those rights and franchises and to forests and the forest law; and for connected purposes. |
|---|---|
| Citation | 1971 c. 47 |
| Territorial extent | Does not extend to Scotland, except for the partial repeal of section 2 of the Night Poaching Act 1828.[2] |
| Dates | |
| Royal assent | 1 July 1971 |
| Commencement | 1 July 1971[3] |
| Other legislation | |
| Repeals/revokes |
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| Relates to | Night Poaching Act 1828 |
Status: Amended | |
| Revised text of statute as amended | |
Provisions
Section 1(1) repealed the longest standing statute in England, the Charter of the Forest 1217, by abolishing “any prerogative right of Her Majesty to wild creatures (except royal fish and swans) together with any prerogative right to set aside land or water for the breeding, support or taking of wild creatures; and any franchises of forest, free chase, park or free warren.” This preserves Crown rights of ownership over royal fish (whales and sturgeons) and mute swans.
In section 2(3), the words from "and" onwards were repealed by section 41(1) of, and Part I of Schedule 6 to, the Northern Ireland Constitution Act 1973.
See also
Notes
References
External links
- The Wild Creatures and Forest Laws Act 1971, as amended, from the National Archives.