Welsh conservation efforts set back by NRW red tape
The decision by Natural Resources Wales to restrict the ability of conservationists and wildlife managers to control magpies, jays and jackdaws is a retrograde blow for conservation.
General Licences 2023
General Licences are issued by government agencies to provide a legal basis for people to carry out a range of activities relating to wildlife.
By definition you do not need to apply for General Licences, but you are required by law to abide by their terms and conditions.
The three main General Licences are: for conservation purposes; to prevent serious damage to livestock, foodstuffs for livestock, crops, vegetables and fruit; and preserving public health and preventing the spread of disease.
In Wales and Scotland, the General Licences have been reissued and published in advance for 2023. Both sets remain unchanged from the previous years and will come into force 1 January 2023.
In England, General Licences are valid for two years, meaning they do not expire until 31 December 2023. The conditions of the licence therefore remain unchanged from 2022.
In Northern Ireland the current set of General Licences will expire on 31 December 2022. The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) is due to publish its new general licences for 2023 on 1 January.
BASC has dedicated webpages for each country’s General Licences (England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland). These webpages are continuously updated and are the go-to place for further information and guidance.
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BASC tells BBC of continuing general licence chaos
Programme highlights impact on crops, livestock and vulnerable bird species.
BASC meets with NI Agriculture Minister on general licences
BASC has met with Edwin Poots, DAERA Minister, to raise members’ concerns over the future of general licences in Northern Ireland.
