
Scotland’s general licences ‘largely unchanged’ in 2021, says BASC
BASC has welcomed the publication of Scotland’s latest general licences, which will come into force on the 1st January 2021.
General licences in Scotland are currently issued by NatureScot (formerly Scottish Natural Heritage). You don’t need to apply to use a general licence, but you are required by law to abide by their terms and conditions.
The General Licences for Scotland for 2022 have been renewed and, for the most part, with little change. There are no changes that affect those managing the birds that cause damage to agriculture, such as woodpigeons, or species which threaten wild birds such as crows or magpies.
There will be a review of the General Licences in 2022 and this will be accompanied by a consultation. BASC Scotland will respond to this consultation, as we did in 2019.
There is a requirement to comply with standing conditions when using general licences over certain special protected areas and special areas of conservation.
All traps must also be registered with NatureScot – not Police Scotland. You can register your traps here.
BASC works closely with NatureScot to ensure current and future licences are fit for purpose. We regularly meet with representatives from NatureScot and the Scottish Government to make the views of the BASC membership known.
For further information on Scottish general licences, please call: 01350 723 226.
BASC has welcomed the publication of Scotland’s latest general licences, which will come into force on the 1st January 2021.
Association highlights contact with government and pledges to be part of any legal challenge.
New licences will come into force on 1 April 2020 and follow on from an SNH consultation and review.