Defra announces renewal of GL40-42 for two years without changes
Defra has advised BASC that there will be no changes to the general licences (GL40-42) when they renew from 1 January 2024 for two years.
General Licences
Significant changes to Northern Ireland General Licences
The new set of interim General Licences announced by DAERA will run from 1 January 2023 until the end of February 2023.
General Licences 2023
Read our update on general licences in Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland for 2023.
Conditions to remain the same as GL43 is renewed
BASC is advising members that there are no substantial changes to the conditions of the new licence, although there is additional clarification around the consenting process.
NRW commits to removing “discriminatory” general licences age restriction
The condition would impact young and future farmers, conservationists and pest controllers who require general licences in work and training.
Require the general licence for conservation in Wales?
BASC is calling for users of the general licence for conservation in Wales to provide case studies to rebut NRW’s decision to remove jays, jackdaws and magpies.
Welsh conservation efforts set back by NRW red tape
The decision by Natural Resources Wales to restrict the ability of conservationists and wildlife managers to control magpies, jays and jackdaws is a retrograde blow for conservation.
Defra ready to fight Wild Justice in the courts
In a move supported by BASC, Defra has confirmed that it will contest Wild Justice’s latest legal challenge relating to the general licence GL42.
Natural Resources Wales proposals place most vulnerable species at risk, says BASC
Subject to NRW board approval, the proposals would remove magpies, jays and jackdaws from the Welsh general licence for conservation.
Northern Ireland to consult on general licences
DAERA is to revoke existing general licences in Northern Ireland, replacing with interim licences prior to launching a public consultation.
