Step 4 of 4

Work with your legal adviser to prepare a response to NatureScot or the Procurator Fiscal. If damage has occurred, demonstrating that you are taking remedial action and implementing measures to prevent recurrence can influence the outcome. For SSSI damage, NatureScot may require a restoration plan. For species offences, showing that you have since obtained appropriate licences and commissioned ecology surveys may be relevant to sentencing or disposal.

Once the immediate enforcement is resolved, review your internal procedures. Ensure that ecology assessments are commissioned before any work begins on sensitive sites, that staff understand which species and habitats are protected, and that NatureScot licensing requirements are built into your project planning process.

Commission an independent ecology survey to identify all protected species and habitats on your sites. Building this into project planning from the outset is the most effective way to avoid future enforcement.