Nature conservation duties: more appearance than substance

This article examines the various statutory provisions in the United Kingdom which require ministers and public bodies to 'have regard to' or 'further' nature conservation, noting the lack of consistency in defining the focus of these duties and the weak nature of the obligations imposed. The extent to which the existence of conflicting duties and weaknesses in the enforcement mechanisms further reduce the likely impact of these duties are also considered, leading to the conclusion that the obligations are of symbolic rather than practical significance.