Woman cautioned following protected species licence forgery
28 July 2011
A London woman has been given a formal conditional caution, after she admitted fraudulently producing protected species licences, under which she illegally carried out paid consultancy work.
The case is the first time that Natural England has been able to prove the fraudulent use of forged licences, which are granted to individuals to allow them to carry out an activity which would otherwise be prohibited under wildlife legislation.
The investigation, carried out with the Metropolitan Police, culminated in the arrest and search of the self-employed ecologist’s property, where two forged common dormouse licences and one forged great crested newt licence were seized.
The woman was arrested under the Fraud Act and was issued with a formal conditional caution, with the conditions that she does not undertake herself, or assist anyone else in, carrying out works relating to the surveying of protected species which would require a licence, unless she holds one in her name or works under the direct personal on-site supervision of a licence holder. She is also bound to inform Natural England in writing, in advance of each occasion she intends to carry out such work.
Paul Cantwell, Natural England’s National Species Enforcement Officer, said: “This is an important case for us as it is the first time we have been able to evidence the fraudulent production and use of protected species licences.
“Licences to protect wildlife are put in place to protect species now and for future generations and their forged production is a criminal offence which we and the Police take extremely seriously. It is important that anyone who could be wilfully damaging the natural environment is held accountable for their actions. I would like to urge anyone with information about similar offences to contact the Natural England Licensing team, or the police Wildlife Crime Unit.”
Sergeant Ian Knox, Head of the MPS Wildlife Crime Unit, said "The forging of any Government licence is a serious matter and I am very pleased that we were able to work in partnership with Natural England to bring this investigation to a successful conclusion."
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Notes to Editors:
About protected species licences A wildlife licence gives a person permission to carry out an activity affecting an animal or plant that would otherwise be illegal. Licences are only issued for certain purposes, which are set down in the law, and only where there is a valid justification. Licences are required to carry out surveys or conservation work for protected species (including Great Crested Newts and Common Dormouse), where without a Licence an offence would be committed (for example, taking and disturbing animals).
About Natural England
Natural England is the government’s independent adviser on the natural environment. Established in 2006 our work is focused on enhancing England’s wildlife and landscapes and maximising the benefits they bring to the public. - We establish and care for England’s main wildlife and geological sites, ensuring that over 4,000 National Nature Reserves and Sites of Special Scientific Interest are looked after and improved.
We work to ensure that England’s landscapes are effectively protected, designating England’s National Parks, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and Marine Conservation Zones, and advising widely on their conservation.
We run Environmental Stewardship and other green farming schemes that deliver over £400 million a year to farmers and landowners, enabling them to enhance the natural environment across two thirds of England’s farmland.
We fund, manage, and provide scientific expertise for hundreds of conservation projects each year, improving the prospects for thousands of England’s species and habitats.
We promote access to the wider countryside, helping establish National Trails and coastal trails and ensuring that the public can enjoy and benefit from them.
For further information contact: Melissa Gill on 0300 060 2983 or melissa.gill@naturalengland.org.uk or out of hours 07970 098005. For more information about Natural England, please visit: www.naturalengland.org.uk
