A public consultation into plans to reform Scotland's wildlife and natural environment laws, some of which date back more than 200 years, has been launched by the Scottish Government.

Among the proposals outlined in the consultation is the reform of 18th century game laws, as well as the implementation of more flexible and sustainable deer management practices and stronger methods of dealing with invasive species. A number of organisations have been met with the Scottish Government regarding plans to modernise existing legislation, including Scottish Natural Heritage, Scottish Countryside Alliance, Scottish Wildlife Trust and the National Trust for Scotland.

Scottish environment minister, Richard Lochhead, said: "Our natural environment is one of our most valuable assets, worth around £17bn to the Scottish economy. It is therefore vital that we ensure we do all we can to protect and enhance it. "We need to ensure that an appropriate legislative framework is in place which enables us react to changing circumstances and new challenges, and which will continue to deliver public benefit from the sustainable management of our wildlife and natural environment."