The Wild Creatures and Forest Laws Act 1971 (c. 47) is an act of the Parliament of the United Kingdom.
Background The act implemented recommendations contained in the second report on statute law revision by the Law Commission.
Provisions Section 1(1) repealed the longest standing statute in England, the Charter of the Forest 1217, by abolishing “any prerogative right of Her Majesty to wild creatures (except royal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 preserved Crown rights of ownership over royal fish (whales and sturgeons) and mute swans.
Repealed enactments Section 1(4) of the act repealed 63 enactments, listed in the schedule to the act.