Non-native and former native species
Advice and legislation relating to the release, management or control of non-native and former native species in England.
A North American mink
As well as being the government’s adviser on conservation and the natural environment, Natural England has a regulatory role in respect of non-native and former native species. This includes licensing under the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981, and the Destructive Imported Animals Act 1932, of:
releases of non-native species,
releases of former native species and native species listed on Schedule 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and
controlling the keeping of certain non-native species
These licensing functions are carried out on behalf of Defra in accordance with Defra policy guidance. Defra has published guidance on interpretation of section 14 of the Wildlife & Countryside Act: (229kb)
, which controls the release of non-native and former native species and those listed on Schedule 9.
What we don’t do
Natural England does not deal with release of biological control agents, fish, shellfish and aquatic crustaceans, or importation of non-native species (these are dealt with by the relevant Defra Agencies).
Non-native Species Licensing
Reintroduction of former native species and native species listed on
Schedule 9
Re-introduction of animals into England – an overview
Legal status
Article 22(a) of the EU Directive on the Conservation of Natural Habitats and of Wild Fauna and Flora 1992 (92/43/EEC; the ‘Habitats Directive’) requires that Member States study the desirability of reintroducing species listed in Annex IV of the Directive (‘Species of Community Interest’) that are native to their territory where this might contribute to their conservation.
Section 14(1) of the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 makes it an offence for any person to release or allow to escape into the wild any animal which –
a) is of a kind which is not ordinarily resident in and is not a regular visitor to Great Britain in a wild state; or
b) is included in Part I of Schedule 9: (68kb).
Species covered by section 14 can only be released under a licence issued under section 16 of the Act. Defra has published guidance on its policy
regarding releases, including an annex giving guidance on when a release into an enclosure might be considered a release into the wild.
How to apply for a licence to reintroduce species
The release of former native species and native species listed on Schedule 9 can only be done under licence. The 1981 Act does not define what is meant by ‘ordinarily resident’ but any species which is known to have become extinct in the wild in Great Britain, and is therefore no-longer ‘ordinarily resident’, is covered by this licensing requirement.
Application forms for the release of non-native/former native species can be downloaded here WML-A03: (210kb)
or obtained directly from Wildlife Management and Licensing, who can also provide you with guidance if required.
The release or reintroduction of any species into the wild is a serious undertaking which may have significant long-term effects on biodiversity and on socio-economic interests. As well as a completed application form, licence applications to reintroduce species must normally be accompanied by supporting documentation, including a feasibility report on the proposal, an assessment of potential impacts, evidence that there is support for the proposal amongst the public and stakeholders, and details of what steps are proposed should problems occur and/or the project have to be terminated.
Reintroduction proposals are assessed in accordance with the guidelines published by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN). These guidelines are available on the IUCN website. A summary of the main criteria: (180kb) against which applications are assessed and the supporting information required is available.
Because of the complexity and sensitivity of reintroduction projects, and because we will need to consult with relevant statutory bodies before making a decision in such cases, it may take up to 6 months, perhaps longer, before a final decision can be given on an application.
Current applications
In accordance with IUCN guidelines, applications for reintroductions must be accompanied by evidence of relevant public and stakeholder support. Natural England wants to ensure that anyone who has an interest in a significant reintroduction proposal, or believes they will be affected by it, has an opportunity to make their views known. Details of current applications and guidance on how to comment are given below:
White-tailed Sea Eagle (Haliaetus albicilla) – the White-tailed Sea Eagle is a former native species, last recorded in the wild in England in the 19th century. In October 2009 Natural England received an application for a licence to reintroduce White-tailed Sea Eagles near the Suffolk coast in East Anglia. This application has now been withdrawn.
Red Kite (Milvus milvus) – the Red Kite was once widespread in England and has been reintroduced in south-central and parts of eastern England. In April 2010 the Red Kite was added to Schedule 9 of the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 meaning that a licence is now required to release the birds into the wild. On 12 April 2010 Natural England received an application for a licence to reintroduce Red Kites in Grizedale Forest, to establish a breeding population there. A licence has now been issued for this release.
Releasing non-native species
Legal status
Article 11 of the EU Directive on the Conservation of Wild Birds 1979 (79/409/EEC; the ‘Birds Directive’) requires Member States to ensure that any introduction of a bird species which does not occur naturally in a wild state within their territory does not prejudice the local flora and fauna. Article 22(b) of the Habitats Directive requires Member States to ensure that deliberate introduction of non-native species is regulated, so as not to prejudice natural habitats or wild native flora and fauna, and if necessary is prohibited.
Section 14(1) of the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 makes it an offence for any person to release or allow to escape into the wild any animal which –
a) is of a kind which is not ordinarily resident in and is not a regular visitor to Great Britain in a wild state; or
b) is included in Part I of Schedule 9: (68kb).
Species covered by section 14 can only be released under a licence issued under section 16 of the Act. Defra has published guidance on its policy regarding releases, including an annex giving guidance on when a release into an enclosure might be considered a release into the wild.
How to apply for a licence to release non-native species
The release of non-native species may be authorised under licence in certain limited circumstances. Natural England will not normally issue licences to allow the release of exotic non-native species into the wild (i.e. non-native species which are not already present in the wild in Great Britain) or the release of established non-native species (i.e. species listed on Schedule 9 of the 1981 Act) outside their present range or where they are likely to have a negative impact on native wildlife.
Application forms can be downloaded here WML-A03: (3.57mb) or can be obtained directly from Wildlife Management and Licensing, who can also provide you with guidance if required. We also provide a range of answers to frequently asked questions: (529kb) that may be useful.
If you wish to apply for a licence with respect to grey squirrels please read our position statement: (21kb) on this issue. For some established non-native species, such as the ring-necked parakeet and the American mink, there is a strong presumption against issuing any licences for release into the wild.
We aim to process licence applications within 30 working days from date of receipt but, depending on the nature of the application and the proposed release, it may take up to 6 months, perhaps longer, before a final decision can be given on an application.
Keeping non-native mammals
Legal status
Under the Destructive Imported Animals Act 1932 (as amended) certain non-native mammals may only be kept in captivity under the authority of a licence. Natural England takes the view that short-term possession of these animals for transport to a place for immediate humane destruction, e.g. taking trapped grey squirrels to a veterinary surgeon to be humanely put down, does not require a keeping licence. If, however, the animals are taken and temporarily kept prior to destruction, e.g. if they are housed overnight, then a licence should be obtained.
Section 8 of the Act permits the issue of special licences to keep:
mink (Mustela vison),
coypu (Myocaster coypus)and
grey squirrels (Sciurus carolinensis)
for exhibition, scientific research or other exceptional purposes. Guidance on applying for a licence is given below.
Please note that it is an offence under section 14 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) to release or allow to escape into the wild grey squirrels, mink and coypu without a licence, (see above for details).
Please also note that a licence under the Habitats Regulations 1994 is required to possess wild-taken individuals of species listed listed in Annex IV of the Habitats Directive (link to relevant Habs Regs licensing pages). This includes species such as the European beaver, which are not currently established in the wild in this country.
How to apply for a licence to keep mammals covered by the Act
If you wish to apply for a licence you will need to complete application form WML-A04: (131kb) and send it to Wildlife Management and Licensing at Bristol. The forms can be downloaded, then they can either be posted to the address on the form or completed electronically and submitted by e-mail. In urgent cases, applications may be accepted by facsimile. If you are unable to download the form from the link above they can be obtained directly from Wildlife Management and Licensing who can also provide you with guidance if required. We also provide a range of answers to frequently asked questions: (529kb) that may be useful.
Please note, there is a charge of £185 for licences for coypu, but no charge for mink or grey squirrel licences.
We aim to process licence applications within 30 working days from date of receipt.
