PART VNATURE RESERVES

Declarations in relation to nature reserves16

1

The Department may declare that any land—

a

acquired under Article 6F1, 24 or 25 or underF2 Article 41 of the Environment (Northern Ireland) Order 2002 section 1 of the [1965 c. 9 (N.I.)] Amenity Lands Act (Northern Ireland) 1965; or

b

in relation to which an agreement or covenant has been entered into under Article 8 or 17 or under section 2 or 2A of that Act;

is established and is being managed as a nature reserve.

2

Where the Department has made a declaration under paragraph (1) in relation to any land and the Department is satisfied—

a

that the land has ceased to be managed as a nature reserve; or

b

that the agreement or covenant under Article 8 or 17 or under section 2 or 2A of the Amenity Lands Act (Northern Ireland) 1965 has ceased to be in force;

the Department shall declare that the land is no longer being managed as a nature reserve.

3

Any declaration under paragraph (1) or (2) shall be conclusive evidence of the matters therein declared.

4

The Department shall give notice of any declaration under this Article in such manner as appears to the Department best suited for informing persons concerned.