21.—(1) Where works have been carried out on land, designated as a natural heritage area under section 18, or where works have been carried out on land which at the time of the carrying out of such works was the subject of a notice served under section 16(2) (b) and which was subsequently designated as a natural heritage area, the Minister may, by direction issued in writing, require the owner, occupier, or user of the land which is so designated, or the person who carried out or caused to be carried out the works, to restore the land in accordance with the direction.

(2) Every direction shall specify the period within which the land concerned is to be restored.

(3) If, within the period specified in a direction under this section or within such extended period as the Minister may allow, any steps required by the direction to be taken have not been taken, the Minister may take such action as the Minister considers necessary, including authorising a person to enter on the land and take those steps, and may recover as a simple contract debt in any court of competent jurisdiction from the person to whom the direction was made any expenses reasonably incurred by the Minister in that behalf.

(4) (a) Any person who fails to comply with a direction under subsection (1) shall be guilty of an offence.

(b) Any person who by act or omission impedes or obstructs an authorised person entering on land for the purposes of carrying out any required works under this section shall be guilty of an offence.