ENGLISH NATURE - Species Licensing

Introduction
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Protected Species List
Application and Report Forms
Publications
Feedback
Useful Contacts

Online applications
Login/registration

Introduction

Swallowtail butterfly. A.P. Barnes/NHPA The Species Licensing Service is based within the Terrestrial Wildlife Team at Northminster House.

English Nature has a statutory duty to issue licences under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended), the Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.;) Regulations 1994, The Protection of Badgers Act 1992 and The Deer Act 1991. Our role is to issue licences for activities that would otherwise be illegal. There is no charge for the service we provide and all our licences are free. We issue approximately 3,000 licences and deal with around 1,000 European Protected Species consultations from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) per year.

Electronic application service

Following a successful trial, we have now expanded the electronic application service to provide ten of our most popular application and report forms. This service allows you to prepare and submit your applications and reports online. The questions are very similar to those which appear on the paper versions of the forms and the majority of feedback from users has indicated that they find this electronic version quicker and easier to complete.

For further information and to register, please click here

Species licensing process

We aim to make decisions on applications within 15 working days of receipt of completed application forms and all other necessary information requested in the application form. Applicants are expected to be able to demonstrate an appropriate level of experience and knowledge of the species in question as well as providing two letters of reference from individuals who can vouch for their experience. The species licensing service recommends that licence application forms are read thoroughly before any attempts are made to complete them. All completed application forms should be returned by post to English Nature, Northminster House, Northminster Road, Peterborough, PE1 1UA.

How to contact us

Should you require further information about species licensing and legislation, the Species Licensing Service can be contacted on 01733 455136