Change description : 2025-01-01 00:01:00: Updated this licence to cover the period 1 January to 31 December 2025. Reworded several sections to make the information clearer, including information and advice notes d and e. [Guidance and regulation]
This licence applies to the plants and animals listed in annex II(b) and IV of the EC Habitats Directive. It allows museums, research or educational establishments to possess and transport dead specimens of these species for the purposes of science or education. The specific organisations it covers are set out in annex A and B of the licence.
Register to use this licence
To register for this licence, you must notify Natural England in writing within one month of first possessing a specimen of one of the relevant species. Write to or email:
Wildlife licensing (Science, education and conservation)
Natural England Horizon House
Deanery Road Bristol BS1 5AH
You must keep a register of any specimens or derivatives that you possess in relation to this licence. This information must be updated annually and be made available for inspection at any time by Natural England. Full details are provided in annex C of the licence.
Updates to this page
Published 6 October 2014 Last updated 1 January 20242025
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Updated this licence to cover the period 1 January to 31 December 2025. Reworded several sections to make the information clearer, including information and advice notes d and e.
There is an update to this licence for 1 January 2024.
Annual licence update, valid from 1 January 2023.
Annual licence update, valid from 1 January 2022.
Annual update valid from 1 January 2021.
Accessible version of licence added - HTML.
Replaced licence with new version issued 1 January 2020
Replaced licence with new version issued 1 January 2019
Replaced licence with new version issued 1 January 2018
Annual licence update 2017.
Replaced licence with new version issued on 1 January 2016.
Added revised version of licence. List of those who can use the licence has been updated.
Updated class licence. New version valid 1 January to 31 December 2015.