Your responsibilities

How do day to day activities relate to species? If you think that an activity you wish to undertake might affect a protected species and commit an offence then you may need a licence before carrying on with your activity.

To help ensure you act responsibly and within the law choose the appropriate category from the following links:

Developers, builders & architects

Are you making plans to develop a site or demolish buildings, for example? If yes, don't forget about protected species. Click here to find out more.

Domestic householder

Do you have protected species living in your property (e.g. bats, pine marten)? If so, follow this link to find out more.

Ecological consultants

Are you about to undertake a protected species survey? Don't forget about your legal responsibilities. Follow this link to find out more.

Educators

Protected species can make excellent topics for educating people about nature conservation, but take care to stay within the law. Find out more here.

General public

Interested in Scotland's rich and varied wildlife? Find out here how to watch our wildlife and stay within the law.

Woodland managers

Are you involved in woodland or forest management? If so, be aware of your responsibilities regarding protected species. Find out more here.

Regulating authorities

If you consent to activities as part of your job, don't forget to consider the effects of a proposal on protected species. Click here to find out more.

Researchers

Are you involved in research on protected species? Don't forget to consider impacts on protected species before starting field work. Find out more here.