Licence to release non-native wildlife and plants

It's an offence in Scotland to:

• release an animal in captivity into an area it isn't native to
• plant or grow any plant outside of its native range
• keep any invasive species of animal or plant listed in The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (Keeping and Release and Notification Requirements) (Scotland) Amendment Order 2012

If your work involves a non-native species and could result in you breaking the law, you should apply for a non-native species licence.

Visit the NatureScot website for more information on non-native species licensing and how to apply.