124.Section 14D of the 1981 Act enables any of the Scottish Ministers, Scottish Natural Heritage, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency or the Forestry Commissioners (each of which is a ‘relevant body’ as defined in inserted section 14P(6)) to make a species control order for premises when the relevant body is satisfied of the presence on the premises of an invasive animal or plant at a place outwith its natural range.
125.The relevant body must give any owner or occupier it has identified at least 42 days in which to enter into a voluntary agreement before it can make a species control order. If such an agreement is entered into then an order can only be made on default. Section 14D also provides for a statutory notice where an owner or occupier cannot be identified.