Under this law, it is an offence to intentionally kill, injure, or take any wild bird or their eggs or nests. The Act also specifies certain protected birds for which there are additional offences. It is illegal to disturb these birds at their nests, or their dependent young.

The Act also lists a number of protected wild animals which it is an offence to kill, injure or take. Places used by these animals to shelter must not be interfered with, and these animals cannot be disturbed in such places. The legislation also prohibits certain methods of killing or injuring wild animals.

It is also made illegal to pick or uproot a number of wild plants listed in the Act. However, as in the rest of the UK, these offences can all be legalised with the granting of an appropriate licence.