Trapping License

UK Wild Otter Trust secure first ever initiative ‘class licence’ from Natural England to capture and remove otters (Lutra lutra) trapped within fenced fisheries. 

September 29, 2016 

After two years of planning and negotiations, the UK Wild Otter Trust has secured the first ongoing initiative ‘class licence’ to humanely trap the European Otter in England under very specific circumstances (within well-fenced fisheries). 

The licence will allow UKWOT operatives, trained and approved by Natural England, to humanely capture any otters inadvertently trapped within a fenced fishing complex and remove them to the outside of the fence. This provides a legal, humane way of dealing with the rare problem of predation caused by otters which are trapped inside well-fenced fisheries. Without a licence, any trapping is illegal. 

As a European protected species (EPS) with full protection under Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, it is illegal to ‘capture, kill, disturb or injure otters’, and to ‘obstruct’, ‘damage’ or ‘destroy’ ‘breeding or resting places’. Those found guilty can get up to 6 months in prison and an unlimited fine. 

The licence issued by Natural England is a collaborative initiative supported by the Angling Trust and independent anglers. The licence allows UKWOT trained operatives to work anywhere in England – the licence does not cover Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland. 

UKWOT have 6 trained operatives that are situated across England. Each operative passed the specified Natural England training course. UKWOT, will be advising fisheries on fence types and fence security. 

It is important to note that this licence ONLY applies to FENCED FISHERIES. Fenced fisheries applying for the licence must also agree to meet the conditions set within the Natural England licence. 

Get in touch – UKWOT DO NOT CHARGE FOR THIS SERVICE IN ANY WAY – WE WANT TO HELP & SUPPORT FISHERIES!