Wales
All the latest news and advice concerning general licences and how they affect you.
Below are the general licences for 2024.
The general licences are expected to be renewed with no changes made for 2025. More information can be found here.
GL001 – Prevention of serious damage to crops and livestock
Valid from 1 January 2024
This general licence is for the purpose of preventing serious damage or spread of disease to livestock, foodstuffs for livestock, crops, vegetables or fruit. There is now a matrix table within GL001, listing which species can be controlled for which specific reason.Â
GL002 – Preservation of public health
Valid from 1 January 2024
This general licence authorises the killing or taking of feral pigeon for the purpose of preserving public health, public safety or preventing the spread of disease.
GL004 – Conservation of wild birds
Valid from 1 February 2024
This general licence is for the purpose of conserving wild birds.
It authorises the killing or taking of carrion crow. The control methods listed in GL004 are authorised to conserve only the chicks and eggs of bird species listed in Annex 1 of the licence and are only authorised between the period 1Â February and 31 August of the licence granting year.
GL005 – Allows the management of the ruddy duck
Valid from 1 February 2024
This general licence allows the killing, taking or destruction of the nests or eggs of ruddy duck for the purpose of conserving wild birds.
Where there is a need to manage or control wildlife and such activity is not covered by a relevant general licence then an individual or specific licence may be applied for. Click here for more details.
Protected sites
For some of the protected sites in Wales, the general licences are not valid in, or within 300 metres of the site. In addition, for one protected site – the Dyfi Estuary SSSI – general licences are not valid within 500 metres of the site boundary. A list of protected sites where the new general licences are not valid can be found in an annex at the end of each of the general licences.
If you need to carry out pest bird control within any of the listed protected sites, you will need to apply for a specific licence from NRW.
Use of decoy birds
The use of decoy birds is still permitted within the general licences; please ensure all terms and conditions are followed when using a decoy bird.
Reporting
Under the new general licences, if any European protected species of animal (as defined within the general licence) or any wild bird of prey is captured, killed or injured in the course of action carried out under this licence, NRW must be advised of that fact as soon as practicable. NRW can be contacted via specieslicence@naturalresourceswales.gov.uk.
If you need to carry out pest bird control which is not covered in any of the general licences, you will need to apply for a specific licence from NRW.
It is very important that anyone acting under the general licences reads and understands its terms and conditions prior to carrying out any licensed actions.
If you are a BASC member and need advice on applying for a specific licence, please email our game and wildlife team or call 01244 573 019.
2024 General Licences in Wales
