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You should always get permission from any pond-owner should you
intend to transfer species between ponds. Movement of some
species, if protected or considered damaging to native wildlife,
is illegal under The Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981.
Transferring fish and some amphibians may also require a licence
or consent. Seek advice at every opportunity from the
Environment Agency, Natural England, the Countryside Council for
Wales (Wales) or Scottish Natural Heritage (Scotland).
If you have a pond and are moving house, ask the new occupiers
if they plan to remove the pond. If this is the case and you
have concerns about this process then ask someone with a pond
whether they are willing to accept stock. If possible, movements
should not be over one mile away. Animals should never be
released onto a nature reserve or a public place without
consent. If there are
great crested newts present, the new owner should seek
advice from Natural England before carrying out any work.
This could make you liable for prosecution under The
Abandonment of Animals Act (1960).
The release of non-native animals into the wild in the UK is
against the law. For pond species this includes red-eared
terrapin and the North American bullfrog. If you come across
either of these species please contact Froglife or another
relevant organisation. Laws relating to release of non-native
plants are more lax. However, we urge the public to be extra
vigilant and discourage the purchasing or movement of non-native
or hybrid plant species.
Environment Agency.
Natural England.
Countryside Council for Wales.
Scottish Natural Heritage. |