This Act primarily implements key aspects of the Government's Rural Strategy of July 2004 but it also addresses a wider range of issues relating to the natural environment.
The Act establishes an independent body Natural England responsible for conserving, enhancing and managing England's natural environment for the benefit of current and future generations and establishes the Commission for Rural Communities. The Commission shall provide information, advice, monitoring and reporting to Government and others on issues and policies affecting rural needs. The Act also reconstitutes the Joint Nature Conservation Committee, renames and reconstitutes the Inland Waterways Amenity Advisory Council (now the Inland Waterways Advisory Council) and provides for other institutional arrangements.
The Act makes provision in respect of biodiversity, pesticides harmful to wildlife and the protection of birds, and in respect of invasive non-native species. It modifies enforcement powers in connection with wildlife protection and extends time limits for prosecuting certain wildlife offences. It revises to a certain extent the law on sites of special scientific interest and amends the functions and constitution of National Park authorities, the functions of the Broads Authority and the law on rights of way.