History of the Department

The Department of Wildlife (DAW) was formally established in 1987 following the consolidation of several regional wildlife response programmes operating throughout the United Kingdom.

Originally focused on monitoring protected habitats and investigating unusual wildlife reports, the Department expanded during the 1990s to include specialist research teams, mobile field units and environmental hazard response personnel.

Timeline

1987

Department established to coordinate national wildlife investigations.

1990

Creation of the National Wildlife Reporting Hotline.

1993

Construction begins on the first secure research facility for the study of hazardous fauna.

1998

Following the Sector Four investigation, departmental operating procedures were extensively revised.

2001

The Field Operations Division expands to support environmental agencies across the UK.

2003

Launch of the Department's public information website and online incident reporting system.