Birds - Licence forms and guidance documents (science, research and photography)
If you can’t find the relevant forms or guidance below for what you want to do, please see our birds and licensing or protected species pages for further information on what needs a licence and how to apply.
Licence returns
If there isn’t a return form below for your licence, please email [email protected] with the information as requested on the conditions of your licence.
Licence amendments and renewals
If you wish to amend or renew an existing or expired licence, please email [email protected] with the changes to be made or details of the renewal, quoting the licence number. Please ensure that you have provided any required licence return before requesting a licence renewal.
Forms and guidance
Licence application form - bird survey
Licence application form - bird photography
Licence application form - reference form
Licence return form - Schedule 1 surveys and monitoring and photography licences
Guidance – notes for surveys and monitoring supported by NatureScot
Guidance – accompanying notes for schedule 1 bird survey and monitoring licences
Guidance – accompanying notes for survey and monitoring licences
Guidance - seabird research licence applications
Guidance – capercaillie survey methods
Guidance – wildlife photography in Scotland
Guidance – data protection notice
Guidance - protected birds species list
Contact
If you already have a licence number, include it in the subject line of your email, or have it to hand when you call.
Disclaimer: Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) has changed its name to NatureScot as of the 24th August 2020.
At the time of publishing, this document may still refer to Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) and include the original branding. It may also contain broken links to the old domain.
If you have any issues accessing this document please contact us via our feedback form.
