Journey
Do I need a wildlife licence for my project?
Quick decision tree to determine if your development or land management activity requires a wildlife licence from Natural England.
4 milestones
references 2 guides
Does your project need a wildlife licence?
Answer three questions to find out whether you need a licence before work starts.
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Could your site have protected species?
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Commission surveys and apply for licences
Get a wildlife licence for your development
Full licensing process: EPS mitigation licences, bat surveys, badger sett closures, and the new fee regime from April 2025.
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Check nesting bird restrictions
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Confirm biodiversity net gain requirement
Meet biodiversity net gain requirements
Mandatory 10% biodiversity net gain for most planning applications in England. Check whether your project is exempt.
gov.uk
Natural England wildlife licensing service (opens in a new tab)
Apply for species licences, check application status, and find current fees