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Licences for shrews and water voles

Shrews

Shrews only receive partial protection under the Wildlife and Countryside Act.  This means that it is an offence to intentionally or recklessly trap them.

If you live-trap small mammals for survey or monitoring purposes and if there is a risk that you will catch shrews then you should employ measures such as shrew escape holes in traps.  If this cannot be avoided or if you intend to trap shrews for scientific, research or educational purposes, then you should apply to Scottish Natural Heritage for a shrew licence.

Water voles - survey, science, research licences

There should be no need for a licence to carry out a basic survey for water voles providing that you take reasonable precaution to avoid intentionally or recklessly disturbing these animals in their burrows, or possibly damaging their burrows.  If such disturbance cannot be avoided, or if you are planning to carry out research or educational work that would otherwise result in an offence in relation to this species, Scottish Natural Heritage are the appropriate licensing authority.

Download an application form  Word document

Water voles licensing for social, economic or environmental purposes

It is possible to licence activities that could affect water voles for social, economic or environmental reasons. This could cover a range of activities including development. However, it is important to note that licences may only be issued for this purpose provided that:

  • the activity authorised by the licence will contribute to significant social, economic or environmental benefit; and,
  • there is no other satisfactory solution  PDF document .

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

If water voles or their burrows are likely to be found in or close to the site in question then it is strongly recommended that you have a survey undertaken by a suitably qualified and experienced person. If they are found then the surveyor should identify what impact the proposal might have on them and whether or not the proposed works could result in an offence.

Download an application form  Word document  

Water voles - Possession of specimens

Because water voles are only partially protected in Scotland, there is no offence under the Wildlife and Countryside Act of possession of water voles or parts of water voles. 

Any questions?

If you can't find an answer to your question, or if you need clarification of any issue about water vole or shrew licensing, please just ask.