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Conservation

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Wildlife Management and Licensing: Red squirrels

Red squirrel

Legal status

Red squirrels have been declining in Britain for many decades, largely as a consequence of the introduction of grey squirrel. They currently receive full protection under the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 (as amended). They are not protected under the Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) Regulations 1994 (as amended) as they are still widespread and abundant through much of Europe, although grey squirrels are currently expanding their range on the continent.

Red squirrels and their resting places are fully protected in Britain, it is an offence to deliberately, capture, injure or kill them or to damage, destroy or obstruct their breeding or resting places. Finally it is an offence to disturb them in their breeding or resting places. For full details of legal protection always refer to the primary legislation and subsequent amendments.

There is, however, provision within the legislation to kill, take, disturb or possess red squirrels, to damage, destroy or obstruct their breeding places or to use prohibited methods to kill or take them under a licence in certain defined circumstances, if the issue cannot be resolved by any alternative means.

The Natural England Wildlife Management and Licensing Service administers licence applications for the following purposes:

  • science, education or conservation, ringing or marking
  • the protection of a zoological collection
  • preventing serious damage to livestock, food for livestock, crops, vegetables, fruit, growing timber, or any other form of property or to fisheries
  • preventing the spread of disease
  • preserving public health or public safety or other imperative reasons of overriding public interest (such as development)

Please note that the legislation does not permit licences to be issued in relation to development of land.

Advice & leaflets - resolving problems

Often potential conflicts between red squirrels and people can be resolved without recourse to any licensed action. There are currently no Natural England leaflets on red squirrel problems and licensing. If you require specific advice contact us.

If the activity you propose cannot be carried out without a licence please download one of our application forms below.

How to apply for a licence

If you wish to apply for a licence you will need to complete a form, all application forms can be downloaded from this website, in most cases they should be posted to the address on the form. Please note that we are currently updating our forms to allow electronic submission. If you are unable to download a form they can be obtained directly from the Wildlife Management and Licensing Service. There is no charge for this licence or for advice.

Following receipt of your completed application, a Wildlife Management Adviser may contact you to discuss the case or arrange a visit to the site where the problem is occurring. The adviser will assess the situation and provide guidance on the remedial options available where applicable.

We aim to process damage, agriculture and overriding public interest related licence applications in 30 working days from date of receipt and science, education, conservation and possession cases in 15 working days.

Please download an application form using the links below: