
BASC’s response to Scottish general licences consultation
BASC has submitted its response to NatureScot’s public consultation, supporting the continuation of the general licensing system in Scotland.
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BASC is advising members that Natural England (NE) has published new general licences for the control of Canada geese and wood pigeon.
NE has published the general licence for ‘Canada geese to preserve public health and public safety’ and the general licence for ‘woodpigeon to prevent serious damage to crops’.
NE has advised that if individual circumstances are not covered by the new licences then an application for an individual licence should be completed.
BASC will be carefully considering the terms and conditions of the new licences and associated documents before making further comment.
The former general licences (GL04, GL05 and GL06) which previously allowed the control of pigeons, crows, magpies, rooks, jackdaws, jays, Canada geese and nine other species, were all revoked on 25th April.
A dedicated page on BASC’s website provides links to the latest advice and analysis.

BASC has submitted its response to NatureScot’s public consultation, supporting the continuation of the general licensing system in Scotland.
NatureScot is reviewing the Scotland general licences for the control of pest birds and other wildlife management activities.
BASC has criticised Natural England after it announced further restrictions on the release of pheasants and red-legged partridges near protected sites in England for the 2026 season.