Wildlife Management and Licensing Frequently Asked Questions

Who should I report a wildlife crime to?

All reports of suspected crimes against wildlife and other animals should be reported to your local PSNI station or call 0845 6008000 and ask for your local station.  

Is the cutting of hedges/trees during the bird breeding season an offence?  

Where you have reason to believe that the hedge/tree in question contains breeding birds that are being killed or injured, or nests/eggs that are being destroyed then this is treated as wildlife crime and should be reported to your local PSNI station as above.

I have an injured wild bird or animal can you help it?

We would recommend you contact a local veterinary practise for advice. There are also several charitable wildlife rehabilitation centres in Northern Ireland that help injured wildlife.  

Can I get rid of bats roosting in my house?

You may be able to apply for a licence to exclude bats from your property. You will require an initial inspection by a licensed bat worker and should contact Lynne Rendle on 028 9039 5264 for further advice.  

Can NIEA impose a tree preservation order?

No, it is Department of Environment Planning Service that deal with Tree Preservation Orders in NI, contact your local planning office.

I have Badgers digging up my lawn, can you help?

Badgers are a protected species and must not be killed or injured nor should their setts be interfered with. They can dig up lawns at certain times of the year in search of worms and grubs. Probably the most effective method is to physically barr access to your garden by either badger proof fences or Flexinet portable electric fences.

I would like to apply for a Dangerous Wild Animals (DWA) licence to keep a DWA species.

The information contained on our website explains how to do this.