29 June 2023
The licence scheme for activities that would otherwise be an offence under the Wildlife Law has
been updated.
The scheme includes several new areas that were previously not covered:
- use of wild bird traps
- annual habitat management work affecting protected species
- educational activities requiring the disturbance and handling of certain reptile and
amphibian species
- tree surveys and the use of endoscopes by tree surgeons
Islanders applying for a licence will need to prove that there is no satisfactory alternative course of
action, and that the activities are carried out in a way that will have no long-term impact on the
population of the species concerned.
This forms part of the Wildlife (Jersey) Law 2021 that came into effect on 4 June 2021. The law
seeks to protect wild animals, birds and plants in Jersey, along with nests, dens, breeding sites and
resting sites.
Minister for the Environment, Deputy Jonathan Renouf, said: “The licence scheme ensures better
protection of our Island’s wildlife, enabling effective regulation of activities that affect local habitats
and species.
“We have adopted some additional licence categories to permit certain activities, providing
safeguards are met and that there is no long-term impact. If Islanders or businesses are unsure
whether their activity requires a licence, I encourage them to contact officers at Natural
Environment.”
Existing licence holders have already been informed of the new licence scheme. Licences involving
commercial interests will be charged a fee, while those involving research or education will be fee
exempt.
For more information about the changes, Islanders can email wildlifelicensing@gov.je or visit:
Licensing for protected species under the Wildlife (Jersey) Law 2021 (gov.je) to download a copy of
the licence application forms.
gov.je