Natural England adds new online form for GL43 reporting

Natural England (NE) has introduced a new online Defra form for submitting GL43 ‘report of action’ details.

The online form is an additional option – release activities can still be reported by emailing the required information to gamebirds@naturalengland.org.uk.

There are no material changes to reporting requirements compared with the previous version of the form. NE advises those who have submitted their report do not need to resubmit using the new form. However, those who have not yet reported should do so by 15 November, even if this is more than a month after their release date.

As well as complying with other conditions of General Licence GL43, anyone releasing gamebirds on or within 500 metres of a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) in England (under the authority of GL43) must report details of their release. SACs are protected sites designated for their important flora and fauna.

BASC’s head of game and wildlife management, Glynn Evans, said: “Completing this reporting requirement is vital not only to ensure legal compliance, but also to show Natural England and others the scale and importance of this licence in enabling gamebird release in these areas. The ability to release birds underpins the vital land management work that supports broader environmental and conservation outcomes across these designated sites.”

Find more information on GL43 and gamebird release licensing here.