National nature reserves
977.Paragraph 10 amends section 35 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 in order to specify the circumstances in which National Nature Reserves (NNRs) may extend beyond mean low water mark or estuarial waters. It clarifies the existing power of declaration with respect to land lying below mean low water mark.
978.Paragraph 11 inserts new section 35A into the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 to give Ministers the power to direct the conservation bodies on whether or not land lying below mean low water mark should be included within the NNR if declared. Ministers may also leave the decision to the discretion of the conservation body.