Species Licensing guidance

European Protected Species

Protection afforded to European protected species

European Protected Species licences can only be granted subject to 'the three tests' being met.

The three (3) tests

Test 1: That there is a licensable purpose for which licences can be granted

*NEW* Guidance for applicants  - on licence purpose 'For public health or safety or other imperative reasons of overriding public interest'

Test 2: No satisfactory alternative

*NEW* Guidance for applicants 

Test 3: No detrimental impact on Favourable Conservation Status

Additional Guidance

• Guidance notes for application for a licence for European Protected Species'  ;
• Guidance notes on providing supporting information  '.

Other Species

*NEW* Guidance for applicants   - on the new licensing purpose for non-bird species protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 for 'social, economic or environmental purposes'

Mammals (non deer)

• Guidance notes  for application for a licence Relating to Bats in Houses
• Guidelines   issued by Scottish Natural Heritage for setting live capture small mammal traps. 

Deer

• Guidance for applications  if you wish to shoot deer at night or during the closed season, or if you wish to drive deer with vehicles.
• Guidance    on giving a grid reference.
• Introduction   to fit and competent register.

Birds

• Guidance for applicants  - on licence applications for the control of predatory birds to conserve wild birds.
• Guidance notes  for - Application form for a licence to take or kill wild birds, their nest or eggs including the use of prohibited methods of taking or killing.
• Guidance notes  for salmon and sea trout fisheries - Licensing arrangements for shooting birds to prevent serious damage to fisheries.
• Guidance notes  for fish farms - Licensing arrangements for shooting birds to prevent serious damage to fisheries.
• Guidance notes   for stocked fisheries - Licensing arrangements for shooting birds to prevent serious damage to fisheries.
• Guidance   relating to application for a licence to kill greylag, pinkfooted and canada geese.
• Guidance    relating to application for a licence to kill white-fronted geese. 
• Guidance  relating to application for a licence to kill resident greylag geese.
• Guidance  on counting methods for riverine birds.

Guidance for field surveys and monitoring

We encourage all licence holders to build good relations with land owners and managers and to ensure that they comply with the Scottish Outdoor Access Code  .

To this end, we have drafted a Guidance Note  for field surveys and monitoring.

This document should be read alongside the Accompanying Notes  for Survey and Monitoring Licences which outlines general principles and access issues to consider before undertaking field surveys.

Photography

Guidance   on Wildlife Photography in Scotland: Licensing.