Licensing

Scottish wildlife is protected under three main pieces of legislation:

• The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended)
• The Conservation (Natural Habitats &c.) Regulations 1994 (as amended)
• The Protection of Badgers Act 1992 (as amended)

These pieces of legislation set out specific offences in relation to protected species of animal, birds and plants. There are, however, a number of exceptions or defences against these offences and one of these is licensing.

Licences can be issued to permit actions that would otherwise be illegal. Each piece of legislation gives specific purposes for which licences can be granted. For these pieces of legislation, the Scottish Government or Scottish Natural Heritage can issue licences.  As a general rule, we are responsible for issuing licences for scientific, educational and conservation-related purposes.

We issue nearly 1000 licences each year and provide advice to the Scottish Government on virtually all licences for which they are the appropriate authority. Our advice is focused on the conservation implications of proposals.

The specific purposes for which licences can be granted under each piece of legislation, the appropriate licensing authority, and how to apply for a licence (including application forms) can be found on the Species licensing section of this website. 

For further information contact Ben.Ross@snh.gov.uk 01463 725245