NatureScot Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

We are Scotland’s nature agency. We work to improve our natural environment in Scotland and inspire everyone to care more about it.

So that all nature in Scotland – our key habitats and landscapes, all our green space and our native species – is maintained, enhanced and brings us benefits.

It is the job of all of us to achieve a balance in the sensitive management of our natural world in order to maintain and enhance biodiversity.

Find out more

About NatureScot

Read about 'our responsibilities and other organisations responsibilities'.

Please use the area offices map to work out which NatureScot Area the SSSI is in, and email the relevant Area mailbox. If you are not the land owner or an occupier, contact the land owner first.

• If you witness a suspected wildlife crime in action call 999 immediately and ask for the police. For all other enquires call your local Police on 101 and report to Wildlife Crime Officer if available.
• Police Scotland wildlife crime information
• Police Scotland non-emergency online reporting form  
• Damage to a protected area has already happened: please use this map to work out which NatureScot Area the protected site (SSSI, SAC, SPA) is in, and email the relevant Area mailbox.

You can use our 'Contact us' web page, or if your query is generic in nature, or is not related to a particular area, then please use our general contact at our NatureScot Headquarters.

If your query is related to a specific area then please use the relevant Area contact.

You can contact the following websites:

• Sharing wildlife data - National Biodiveristy Network (NBN)
• Mobile apps for different species types - Scotland's environment
• Beavers
• Report badger sightings - Scottish Badgers
• Information on a particular protected species

Report to Scotland's Environment Web.

Access SiteLink which provides access to data and information on key protected areas across Scotland.

You can read all about Funding and Projects on our NatureScot website.

• Scottish Forestry issue licences for tree felling. 
• For individual trees contact the Local Authority to see if subject to Tree Preservation Order.
• If you suspect felling is resulting in a wildlife crime call Police Scotland on 101 and report to Wildlife Crime Officer if available.

Email [email protected], or call 01463 725364.

• Dead animal - Scottish Government
• Dead wild bird - NatureScot Avian influenza  
• Injured animal/bird - SSPCA Animal Rescue Officers
• Dead or stranded whales, dolphin or seals on the beach or close to the shore - Scottish Marine Animal Stranding Scheme

A list of helpful websites where you can find some of these species:

• Scotland's National Nature Reserves
• Visitscotland
• Forestry and Land Scotland
• RSPB
• National Trust for Scotland
• Hebridean Whale & Dolphin Trust

Please refer to the numerous books, websites, online guides and mobile apps available to help you identify species. Countryside rangers or wardens may also be able to help.

NatureScot only advises planning authorities on proposed developments that could affect nationally-important nature and landscape interests, if they meet the criteria described on our planning role and consulting us web page. We are not able to advise on proposals that do not meet our consultation thresholds.

Planning authorities consider all other nature and landscape interests in line with their Local Development Plan, and are responsible for monitoring and enforcement. Contact your local authority planning service about developments and planning applications.

RSPB’s planning pack provides information on how communities can influence the planning process

Contact your local access authority (Local Authority or National Park Authority)

Please use our website to find information and publications relevant to your project. Due to the large number of student enquiries we receive, we are unable to help with, or participate in, student projects

We are not normally able to provide speakers. We focus our limited capacity on events and topics which will deliver our Corporate priorities.

• National groups on topics closely related to our Corporate Plan, or you can email [email protected]
• Locally-based groups: please consider first whether another local speaker could meet your needs. 
• In Highland, try this Experts on Offer page

Refer to our web pages:

• Volunteer in the outdoors
• Volunteering with NatureScot

Refer to our Information Library.

Contact the local Deer Management Group.

Refer to our web pages:

• Bats
• Pine martens
• Badgers

Refer to our Protected species: plants and fungi web page.

• No, it’s an offence to prevent birds from using an active nest or to damage an active nest.
• Wait until the chicks have fledged and the nest is no longer being used, which may be only a month or so.

• Leave it alone – the parents are likely to be nearby. 
• Injured animal/bird - SSPCA Animal Rescue Officers

• There are lots of regulations governing the use of traps.  If unsure contact email [email protected]
• If you think a crime has occurred contact the Police on 101 and ask to speak with a Wildlife Crime Officer.

• It is an offence to prevent birds from using an active nest.
• It is not an offence if the birds have not yet started to nest (exception Golden eagle and White-tailed eagle).
• Sound deterrents are not ideal – can cause wider species disturbance.

• Yes, but only for certain species and for defined purposes under licence

• If the nest is no longer in use you do not need a licence.
• If the nest is in use, no, unless it meets certain criteria
• Refer to our Licensing web page

• No. 
• Refer to our Bird Licensing web page

• There are restrictions as to where you can fly your drone in order to prevent disturbance to wildlife.
• Further information can be found on the PAW Scotand website: Good Practice Advice: Drones and Wildlife.