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Licensing and wild plants and fungi

All wild plant species receive a level of protection under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended). Some more rare or vulnerable species are given added protection under that Act by being listed on Schedule 8  PDF document . Three Scottish plant species are classified as European protected species, Kilarney fern, Slender Naid and Yellow Marsh Saxifrage. These plants are very localised in distribution so licensing situations for these species will be relatively rare.

Licences for survey, science, research or conservation

If you wish to carry out work on any plant species for survey, conservation, science, research or educational purposes, and if that work might otherwise result in an offence being committed, you may need a licence.  Licences for this purpose are issued by Scottish Natural Heritage.

Download a licence application form  Word document

Guidance note for field surveys and monitoring  PDF document

Accompanying notes for survey and monitoring licences  PDF document

Plant licensing for social, economic and environmental purposes

It is possible to licence activities that could affect Schedule 8  PDF document   plants 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 Schedule 8  PDF document plant species 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 a licence application form  Word document  

Other purposes

Contact the Scottish Natural Heritage species licensing team for licences for any other purpose in relation to protected plant species.