Wild birds: apply for a licence to disturb them for science (A27)
Apply for a licence to disturb protected species of wild birds for science, education and conservation work and find out how to report your actions.
Applies to England
Documents
Details
You must apply for a licence if you plan to disturb wild birds listed on for scientific, educational or conservation work.
To apply you must:
- complete application form (A27)
- include 2 references from people familiar with your work
- include a project plan
The project plan must include:
- objectives of the project
- why the work is necessary
- any alternative methods you鈥檝e considered
- a plan or map to show the project location
Licences are free. Natural England will decide whether to issue a licence within 30 working days of receiving your application
How to report your actions
You must report any actions you took using this licence on the report form. You must report no later than 2 weeks after your licence expires, even if you鈥檝e taken no action. Send your completed form by post or email to Natural England using the details on the form.
If you鈥檙e using the report form to renew your licence, you must include an updated project plan and map.
Updates to this page
-
Replaced report form and added guidance on including a project plan and map as part of an application or renewal.
-
Replaced application form with revised, interactive PDF version.
-
First published.