Licence Application Forms

Please note that the licencing remit for issuing licences under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, Habitats Regulations 1994 and Protection of Badgers Act 1992, is split between Scottish Natural Heritage and Scottish Executive.

For plants and animals you can apply to SNH for scientific or educational purposes, for photography, for any marking of animals or where action is being taken for conservation purposes. Scottish Executive can grant licences authorising action to protect health and public safety and to prevent serious damage to property, crops livestock, timber or fisheries.

For birds, the position is essentially the same except SNH can issue licences for the purpose of research. Scottish Executive can grant licences for aviculture, taxidermy, falconry or air safety. In addition, one or two licences are issued on a UK basis by the Department Environment Transport Regions (DEFRA). They are also in charge of the registration scheme for the keeping of wild birds.

Only the Protection of Badgers Act 1992 lists "development" as a licensable purpose and that is the responsibility of SNH. For any species listed under the Habitats Regulations that is affected by "development" then it is the responsibility of Scottish Executive.

If you are planning any project involving any of the species listed then it’s possible that you will require a licence and you can download an application form from here.

To apply for a licence from the Scottish Government please contact:

Species Licensing Team
Landscapes and Habitats Division
Rural Directorate
The Scottish Government
1 - A North
Victoria Quay
Edinburgh
EH6 6QQ

Telephone: 0131 244 6549

E-mail: specieslicensing@scotland.gsi.gov.uk

Web: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Environment/Wildlife-Habitats/16330