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Licensing forms and guidance

Find the relevant licence application form, return form and guidance.

You can search for the relevant licence application form, return form and guidance.

How to apply

You should email your completed application form and supporting information to licensing@nature.scot.

If there’s no application form for what you want to do, please check the relevant species page using our species licensing A-Z guide.

Submitting returns

A condition of any licence is that you must submit a licence return to us. Your licence will tell you what return information is required and how to submit it. You must submit your return within one month of the licence’s expiry date.

Not all licences have a dedicated return form. You should instead email the information requested on your licence to licensing@nature.scot. Quote your licence number in the subject line.

Alternatively, view the species licensing guide for a particular species to find out about licence returns.

Contact

Licensing Team
Telephone: 01463 725 364
Email: licensing@nature.scot

Find out more

Licensing process

Data Protection notice

Stoats and General Licence 14/2020

Guidance, Licensing

If you can’t find the relevant forms or guidance below for what you want to do, please see our licensing

Beaver, Guidance, Licensing

Licence application and return forms and guidance for works affecting badgers.

Guidance, Licensing

Application forms and guidance for Fit and Competent controllers and out of season deer authorisations.

Guidance, Licensing

Licence application and return forms and guidance for works affecting great crested newts or natterjack toads and amphibian surveys.

Guidance, Licensing

Licence application and return forms and guidance for wildcats.

Guidance, Licensing

Licence application and return forms and guidance for works affecting water voles.

Guidance, Licensing

Licence application and return forms and guidance for shrew trapping.

Guidance, Licensing

Licence application and return forms and guidance for works affecting red squirrels.

Guidance, Licensing

Licence application and return forms and guidance for protected plant species.

Guidance, Licensing

News

Major new study shows role beavers could play in restoring Scotland's rivers.

News - 17 January

It's fitting that even English speakers use a Gaelic word for a habitat that is such an icon of the Gàidhealtachd.

Blog - 17 January

Scottish Government Nature Restoration Fund (NRF) - funding round for applications of £25,000 - £250,000 now open.

News - 14 January

The stinking hellebore, a favourite of many gardeners, can be a life saver for emerging bumble bee queens.

Blog - 17 January

Projects that protect the environment and mitigate impact of climate change will share £30m in latest AECS round.

News - 11 January

Is the Isle of May on your bucket list of places to visit? It's one of the most spectacular seabird reserves in the country.

Blog - 7 January