Natural England

Ensure that you use the correct form for the licensed action that you wish to carry out. If you are not clear on which form is appropriate after reading the guidance carefully, please contact us.

Always download the latest forms from the website. Do not keep a stock to apply if you are a regular customer, as forms are frequently updated in response to changes in legislation or procedures. Use of outdated forms can lead to significant delays.

Ensure you fill in all sections of the form. Incomplete forms may be returned to you.

Append any relevant supplementary data, e.g. references, permissions, consultations or maps as omissions can result in delays.

If you do not own the land where action is to take place, please ensure you have permission from the landowner and include written confirmation with your application.

Apply at the correct time of year for the action that you wish to carry out. There may be sensitive times of year such as the breeding season for the species involved, where licensed action is not appropriate. Read the relevant guidance and if you require further advice please contact us.

Please do not repeatedly contact the Wildlife Management & Licensing Service to chase progress of applications. Wait until the deadline for our response has passed before ringing to chase. We appreciate that it is important for you to get your licence as soon as possible, but frequent queries use up a large amount of staff time that could be applied to issuing licences and will not speed up the processing of your application. Only contact us if the situation has changed since an application was submitted or you require further advice.

Do not forget to sign your application. Electronic signatures are acceptable on forms that are e-mailed or submitted on disk or pen drive.

If you are making a repeat licence application, ensure that you have submitted your report of action carried out under any previous licence.