Ecological Consents, Notifiable Actions / Consents / Derogations Licences

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What is this licence?

You may need a range of licences to investigate sites where protected species are found. Because these species are threatened, it is only in exceptional cases that handling or movement them is licensed.

Article 16 of the Habitats Directive provides for derogations. These may be issued "provided there is no satisfactory alternative and the derogation is not detrimental to the maintenance of the populations of the species concerned at a favourable conservation status".

Activities requiring consent

There are 38 activities requiring consent (ARCs). They include:

  • Capture/Kill Protected Wild Animals for Education or Scientific Purposes Licence
  • White-Clawed Crayfish Licence
  • Licence to Take or Interfere with Protected Plan Species for Scientific, Educational or Other Such Purposes
  • Licence to Interfere With or Destroy the Breeding Places of Any Wild Animals
  • Licence to Disturb Bats or Their Breeding or Resting Places
  • Licence to Disturb Otters or Their Breeding or Resting Places
  • Removal of Invasive Species
  • Complete List of Activities Requiring Consent

How to apply

In order to apply to carry out an ARC within a SAC or a SPA, please print off and complete the relevant application for consent form on the NPWS website.

You can return the forms to your local NPWS office.

Issuing body

National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS)

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