Natural England publishes update on 2026 general licences

Natural England has updated its plans to issue the 2026 general licences GL40–42 for the control of wild birds in England. 

The updated licences will come into effect on 1 January 2026 and will remain valid for 12 months, although Natural England (NE) has advised it will keep the timeframe under review. Previously these licences were issued by Defra for a two-year period.

BASC’s head of game and wildlife management, Glynn Evans, said NE had advised that it had conducted a “light touch review” and as a result some changes were planned for the licences. However, no details have been published to indicate any changes to the list of species that can be controlled under the respective general licences. 

Among the changes that are planned, under GL40 (the licence relating to conserving wild birds, flora or fauna of conservation concern), the previous reference to red and amber listed species will be replaced with a refined list of species that can be ‘protected’ under the licence. 

In addition, the use of artificial light for feral pigeon control will be reinstated under GL41 (preserving public health and safety).

There will also be a new condition to reduce the risk of avian influenza transmission. This will require licence users to ‘avoid excessive disturbance of certain species or types of birds associated with protected sites’.

Commenting on the issue of disturbance, Glynn Evans said: “Natural England has advised that the licences will include advice on what this means and allow users flexibility to determine how to avoid excessive disturbance on their site. Importantly there are no locations when licensed action is specifically prohibited.

“BASC has engaged with Natural England and we welcome its plans to reissue the licences and the intention to provide clarity to those who rely on them for essential control and management. Some of the changes, including the refined approach to identifying birds of conservation concern, plus the reinstatement of artificial light for feral pigeon control, are positive step forward.”

Natural England’s bulletin announcing details its planned approach to issuing general licences can be read here.

Any members requiring further advice should contact their local BASC team.