The BTO issues Schedule 1 permits for ringing and nest recording in Scotland under an Organisational Licence issued to the BTO by NatureScot. To get your disturbance permit for the upcoming year choose the correct option below.

The specially protected species in Scotland are detailed in Schedule 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act, 1981 (as amended by the Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004).

First application To apply for your first disturbance licence.

Reporting To report on your activity in the past year – this is required before your licence will be renewed.

Renewal info To renew an existing licence with or without amendments.

BTO can only permit disturbance of specially protected species for purposes of ringing and nest recording. Limited photography at the nest during these activities is covered by such a permit as is photography for the purpose of nest recording. For other purposes see the Scottish Natural Heritage licensing web pages.

Schedule 1 Licence conditions: Be aware

The conditions on a Schedule 1 Licence form part of it. Breaking of these conditions means you are breaking the law and may be prosecuted. 

In Scotland, there is an additional condition relating to the disturbance of Schedule 1 species, which currently reads as follows:

• The licence holder (or permit holder or agent, as appropriate) should notify the relevant landowner(s) or land manager(s), of planned licensed activity each year, including the expected timeframe of the activity and the likely number of visits planned.
• Where there is explicit agreement between the licence holder, permit holder, or agent and the landowner/ manager the notification can be extended unless there is a material change, such as change of ownership or licence holder.
• The notification must be in advance of any licensed activity.
• Where it is not reasonably practicable to notify the Landowner(s) or Land manager(s) of planned activity, the licence holder, permit holder, or agent must notify NatureScot and include the reason for not being able to contact the landowner / land manager directly.
• Evidence of the notification to the landowner(s) or land manager(s) is to be made in a manner which can be provided to NatureScot if requested.

NatureScot have provided guidance on this condition, which can be found here. The main points to note are that:

• This condition applies to all holders of Schedule 1 permits issued by BTO who operate in Scotland, and their agents (as well as to others who hold a disturbance licence issued directly by NatureScot).
• The condition does not apply when monitoring non-Schedule 1 species.
• The requirement is to notify the landowner/manager; you are not required to gain permission before carrying out your monitoring activity.
• There is an option to inform NatureScot of your planned activities directly, if it is not possible to identify or contact the landowner / land manager.
• You will need to notify the landowner each year, unless agreed otherwise with the landowner / land manager (the phrase ‘the notification can be extended’ in the second bullet point of the condition above relates to the ability to make such bespoke agreements).

If you have any questions regarding how this condition operates, please contact licensing@nature.scot in the first instance.