Guide
Get a wildlife licence for your development project
How to obtain wildlife licences from Natural England before development that affects protected species. Covers European Protected Species mitigation licences, bat surveys, badger sett closures, the new charging regime from April 2025, and devolved licensing differences in Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.
When you need a wildlife licence
If your development could affect protected species or their habitats, you must obtain a wildlife licence before works begin. Working without a licence is a criminal offence, even if you have planning permission. The licensing requirement applies to demolition, construction, land clearance, and any activity that could disturb, injure, or kill a protected species or damage a breeding or resting place.
Wildlife licence fees
From April 2025, Natural England charges for most wildlife licence applications that were previously free. Budget for these fees early in your project planning alongside ecological survey costs. The charging regime applies to new applications and amendments.
Bat surveys
Bats are the most commonly encountered protected species on development sites. All 18 UK bat species are European Protected Species, and surveys must follow strict seasonal windows. Missing the survey season can delay your project by up to 12 months.
Badger sett licensing
Badgers and their setts are protected separately from EPS under the Protection of Badgers Act 1992. If your development site is within 30 metres of a badger sett, you are likely to need a licence. Sett closures can only take place between July and November, so plan accordingly.
Penalties for wildlife offences
Proceeding without the correct licence carries serious criminal penalties. Ignorance of protected species on your site is not a defence. Commissioning ecological surveys and obtaining licences before works begin is the only way to protect your project from prosecution and delay.
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1. Commission a preliminary ecological appraisal
Appoint a suitably qualified ecologist to carry out a Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (PEA) of your site. This desk-based and walkover assessment identifies the potential for protected species and recommends further surveys. A PEA can be done at any time of year.
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2. Complete species-specific surveys
Based on the PEA findings, commission targeted surveys for identified species. Bat emergence surveys run May to September, great crested newt surveys March to June, and badger surveys year-round. Allow sufficient time for the full survey season.
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3. Prepare a mitigation strategy
If protected species are confirmed, your ecologist prepares a mitigation strategy. This must satisfy the three derogation tests for EPS licences, showing overriding public interest, no satisfactory alternative, and maintenance of favourable conservation status.
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4. Submit licence application to Natural England
Apply to Natural England with your completed survey data, mitigation strategy, and method statement. Allow at least 30 working days for determination. Include the application fee under the new charging regime. Your application must name an accredited ecologist.
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5. Receive licence and begin works under ecologist supervision
Once granted, works must follow the licence conditions exactly. Your named ecologist must supervise the licensed activities. Keep the licence on site and ensure all contractors understand the constraints. Report any incidents to Natural England immediately.
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6. Complete post-development monitoring
Most licences require post-development monitoring of mitigation measures (such as bat boxes, replacement setts, or newt ponds). Your ecologist submits monitoring reports to Natural England as specified in the licence conditions.