Where beavers have unwanted local impacts, such as damaging arable land, the laws governing protected species require any intervention to have the least possible impact on conservation. “Pest” bird species such as crows, woodpigeons and jays can no longer be freely killed in England after the government’s conservation watchdog revoked the licence permitting it. Crows, jackdaws and rooks are protected under the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 and the Wildlife (Northern Ireland) Order 1985. Explore our A–Z guide to read about Scotland’s hundreds of protected species, including our summaries of offences in relation to each. * The Scottish Government announced that beavers could remain in Scotland in 2016. Since then in order to kill them, land managers have had to obtain a licence from NatureScot. For activities taking place within 12 nautical miles of the coast (the Scottish Territorial Sea), EPS are protected under The Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) Regulations 1994 (as amended). To get your disturbance permit for the upcoming year choose the correct option below. You can change your cookie settings at any time. Added 'Wild birds: licence to control certain species'. You’ve accepted all cookies. Specific detailed guidance for certain species or groups can be found in a series of separate notes provided on the Forestry Commission Scotland … Nearly 3,000 licences have been issued allowing protected species in Scotland to be killed or disturbed including hedgehogs, mountain hares and birds in decline. Under this legislation, some activities affecting badgers or their setts Vulnerable plant and animal species in Scotland are protected under various legislation. There are a number of different types of licensing requirements within the marine environment, but Marine Scotland has made a number of changes to simplify the existing licensing process: Fishing vessel licensing; Marine licensing; Freshwater fisheries licensing; Seal licensing; European Protected Species & Basking Sharks; Sea fishing Schedule 8 the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981. Issued by either Natural England, Scottish Natural Heritage or Natural Resources Wales, a decision regarding your site is usually made within 30 working days of receiving your completed application. April 16, 2019. It will be possible within the law – as is the case with other protected species – for Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) to grant a licence for exemption from these restrictions if three tests are met. Many species of plant and animal are protected by law. Application reference number: MS EPS 01/2016/0. NatureScot has declined to say how many have so far been killed in 2020. “Pest” bird species such as crows, woodpigeons and jays can no longer be freely killed in England after the government’s conservation watchdog revoked the licence permitting it. Wildlife crimes involve people breaking the laws meant to safeguard our protected areas and protected species. Freshwater pearl mussel, a critically endangered mollusc, is a wildlife crime priority. We’ll send you a link to a feedback form. It will take only 2 minutes to fill in. Planning and development: protected areas, Young People - Learning Outdoors and Developing Skills, Priority marine features in Scotland's seas. In May 2019, it recognised beavers as a European Protected Species – since when, those wanting to kill beavers or remove their dams or lodges must obtain a licence from NatureScot. You do not need to apply for a General Licence. NatureScot is committed to preventing wildlife crime and enforcing the law. A number of species of animals and plants found in the wild are protected at a European and national level from being harmed or disturbed. A new 'Statement of Intent on Biodiversity' sets out Scottish Government's priorities for tackling biodiversity loss. image caption Beavers have been a protected species in Scotland since May 2019 A conservation charity has described the licenced killing of 87 beavers in Scotland last year as "deeply concerning". To get your disturbance permit for the upcoming year choose the correct option below. To ensure continuity of felling and restocking operations, and to minimise disruption, certain aspects of the Forestry Act 1967 and its associated Regulations have been saved. If you are planning to carry out an activity that might affect a protected species you may need a licence before you begin. We use cookies to collect information about how you use GOV.UK. Badgers and licensing. Class Licence: Work requiring a specific skill or experience for species protection. Should this occur, ravens, currently protected due to historic, unregulated persecution, could once again be … We use cookies to provide you with a better service. Under the Project Licence there is a general presumption against works being carried out which could Section 13 protects plants from picking and sale of plants or parts of plants listed in Schedule 8. Preparing such a plan can help developers to avoid the need for a licence for works to go ahead. Explore our A–Z guide to read about Scotland’s hundreds of protected species, including our summaries of offences in relation to each. A licence is required for anything that would be an offence under the Regulations. Three strict tests must be met before a licence can be granted for any of Scotland’s European protected species. Continue browsing if you consent to this, or view our Cookie Policy. Foresters and conservationists are questioning the decision by Forestry Commission Scotland to agree to a blanket licence for NatureScot, formerly Scottish Natural Heritage, to harvest timber in red squirrel areas, warning of potential devastation to populations of this protected species. Licence application to possess European protected species; European Protected Species: mitigation licence application form; You can also contact Natural England Licensing team for further advice. Of work not covered in the future before you begin Scotland’s biodiversity made commitment... The killing of 87 beavers in Tayside, a small flower which a. Apply for a licence or to uproot plants affect a protected species present on site fifth of the Act. Development: protected areas and species consultant, researcher or member of public... Two kinds of protected species licence scotland, and the level of protection ( i.e seem get! 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