I have contractors working on my land. How do I seek to ensure that I am not prosecuted if they disturb the nest or resting place of a protected animal?
You need to ensure that you have taken appropriate precautions to avoid recklessly destroying a nest or resting place. We suggest that a suitably qualified person (which may be you) should survey your work area and then you must avoid careless working in any critical areas that they identify. In the case of all nesting birds, other than the sea eagle, you will be able to work there at another time of the year. SNH can advise on the precautions that are necessary. Most protected species are very rare but some protected animals – badgers, bats and red squirrels for instance, are quite widespread. Again SNH can advise on species to be aware of in your area. See the inadvertent and reckless actions law page. I am clearing Japanese knotweed from my land. How can I dispose of the plants? You can burn Japanese knotweed or bury it on your own land (but in this case need to provide 5m of soil cover to prevent reinfestation). Plants like this are regarded as controlled waste under the Environmen
Related Questions
- I have contractors working on my land. How do I seek to ensure that I am not prosecuted if they disturb the nest or resting place of a protected animal?
- Do farmers who allow contractors working on their land to fill up their vehicles from the farmers own stocks have to be approved?
- What is the best way to ensure that the space shuttle Discovery continues to land safely?
