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Squirrel licences

The licensing scenarios presented below refer to work with red squirrels.  If you intend to work with grey squirrels, please contact us  and we can advise on any licensing requirements.

Licences for survey, science, research or education

There should be no need for a licence to carry out a basic survey for red squirrels providing that you take reasonable precaution to avoid intentionally or recklessly disturbing these animals in their dreys.  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 these species, Scottish Natural Heritage are the appropriate licensing authority.

Download an application form  Word document

Red squirrel licensing for social, economic or environmental purposes

It is possible to licence activities that could affect red squirrels 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 red squirrels or their dreys 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  

Possession of specimens etc.

There is a general offence under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) against possession of a dead red squirrel or a part of one.  However, a person is not guilty of this offence if he or she can show that the animal had not been killed illegally.

Licences are therefore not necessary for someone to possess a dead red squirrel, but it will be up to that person to be able to demonstrate that it was not killed illegally should they be asked to do so by the police.

Another scenario?

Does the information given above cover the situation you were thinking of? If not contact us for advice.