Protected species licence for science, education or conservation (A29)
Source: gov.uk (2025-03-31)

Apply for a licence to kill, take, disturb or possess a protected species for survey, research or conservation work.

If you need a licence as part of a conservation translocation, you must use the conservation translocation licence application form (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/reintroductions-and-conservation-translocations-in-england-code-guidance-and-forms).

This licence allows you to kill, take, disturb or possess a protected species when you carry out:
- surveys
- research for scientific or educational purposes
- work to conserve the species you are applying for
Protected species are:
- European protected species (those listed on schedule 2 of the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 (http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2010/490/schedule/2/made))
- animals listed on schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1981/69/schedule/5)
You must apply for a difference licence for:
- bat surveys (https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/bat-licences#bat-survey-licences)
- badger surveys (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/badgers-survey-or-research-licence)
- beaver surveys, research or conservation (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/beavers-licence-to-capture-transport-and-re-release-beavers-or-modify-or-remove-beaver-dams-burrows-and-lodges-cl50)
- hazel dormice level 1 and level 2 surveys (https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/dormice-licences#hazel-dormice-survey-licences)
- great crested newts level 1 and level 2 surveys (https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/great-crested-newt-licences#great-crested-newt-survey-and-research-licences)
Apply for an A29 licence

Complete these forms:
- application form A29
- references (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/survey-or-research-licence-for-protected-species#give-references) - where applicable
Before you fill in these forms, you need to download and save them to your computer. Send your forms to Natural England using the details on the application forms.

You must also include a project plan that is titled, dated and gives details of:
- the objectives of the project
- why the work is necessary
- methods you will use
- timing of proposed activities
- any alternative methods you’ve considered
- a plan or map to show the project location
- biosecurity measures
- how negative impacts on species will be avoided or minimised
- duration of the project and the reason for this
- how the data obtained will be used and shared.
When you need to pay

You may need to pay for a new A29 licence, or to make changes to an existing licence. Natural England will assess your A29 form and tell you:
- if you need to pay
- how much you’ll pay
You will need to pay for a licence if the main aim of the project is:
- surveys for construction or development
- filming or photography
You will not need to pay for a licence if the main aim of the project is:
- science, research or education relating to a protected species or habitat
- conservation of a protected species or habitat
How to pay

Natural England will send you an invoice when it approves your application.

You can pay by:
- electronic bank transfer
- debit or credit card by telephone - except American Express
- cheque
Your invoice will give payment method details.

VAT does not apply to charges for wildlife licences.

You need to include your invoice number with your payment.

Natural England accepts purchase orders. If you want Natural England to add a purchase number to your invoice, you must include it in the invoice details in your A29 form.

Give references

You need to give references (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/reference-to-support-a-protected-species-licence) when you apply for this licence if you:
- have not held a licence for the species or a similar species for the last 3 years
- want to use methods that you have not previously had a licence for
How to request a change to your existing A29 licence

Use the report form LR29 on this page to request an amendment to your A29 licence. You need to include an updated project plan with a relevant plan or map.

You must quote the licence reference number.

How to report your actions

You must report any actions you took using this licence on the report form (LR29) on this page.

You must report within 2 weeks of your licence expiring, even if you’ve taken no action.

Send your completed form by post or email to Natural England using the details on the form.

If you’re using the report form to renew your licence, you must include an updated project plan and map.