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Nature Conservation: Crime

Asked by Callum AndersonLabourDepartment for Environment, Food and Rural AffairsTabled Answered 9 July 2026UIN 15581

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps she is taking to tackle wildlife crime in Buckinghamshire.

Answered by Mary Creagh

The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 protect all wild birds and some wild animals in England. There are strict penalties in place for offences under this and other wildlife legislation.

Defra supports the valuable work of the National Wildlife Crime Unit (NWCU) and is providing £530,000 to it in 2026-27. The NWCU helps prevent and detect wildlife crime, assists law enforcers with investigations – supporting Thames Valley Police with 25 wildlife crime cases since 2024 - and provides training on wildlife crime. Ninety-six wildlife crime training modules were completed by Thames Valley Police staff in the year up to February 2026.

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