If you have a specific need to control a species not listed on the relevant General Licence, you will need to apply for a specific individual licence from Natural England.
If you are a BASC member and need further advice on General Licences, please contact your regional team on 01244 573 000.
As per the previous General Licences that were revoked by Natural England, if you are carrying out bird pest control under a general licence on a SSSI, you also need Natural England consent. Contact your local Natural England office if you do not have consent or are unsure. Click here Read more…
Yes. Defra’s General Licences allow the use of Larsen traps and other cage traps to trap pest birds.
Yes. Defra’s General Licences allow preventative action to be taken and there is no restriction on using decoys, shooting on stubbles, roost shooting etc.
Yes. The general licences require that, before and alongside their use, reasonable endeavours are made to achieve the purpose in question using lawful methods not covered by the licences, unless such endeavours would be impractical, without effect or disproportionate in the circumstances. Defra advises users to keep a record of Read more…
No. Defra’s General Licences allow preventative action to be taken so you do not need to wait until damage has occurred.
No. General Licences are issued by government agencies to provide a legal basis for people to carry out a range of activities relating to wildlife. By definition you do not need to apply for General Licences but you are required by law to abide by their terms and conditions.
