Licence

Protected species licensing (Scotland)

For activities involving protected species which would otherwise be against the law, you may be able to apply for a licence from Scottish Natural Heritage

Apply for this licence

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If you wish to undertake activities involving protected species which would otherwise be against the law, you may be able to apply for a licence from Scottish Natural Heritage.

Licences can be granted in relation to animals classed as protected species for the following purposes:

  • science, research or education
  • ringing, marking or examining rings or marks
  • conserving wild birds, wild animals or wild plants or introducing them to particular areas
  • conserving any area of natural habitat
  • protecting zoological or botanical collections
  • photography
  • preserving public health or public safety
  • preventing the spread of disease
  • preventing serious damage to livestock, foodstuffs for livestock, crops, vegetables, fruit, growing timber, property or fisheries
  • for any other social, economic or environmental purpose

How to apply

Application forms and guidance notes for each specific licence are available on the Scottish Natural Heritage website.