Today (9 November 2020), Defra has published three new general licences for wild bird control which will come into effect in England on 1 January 2021.
The licences published are:
- Conservation licence GL40 (currently GL34) Read >
- Public health and safety licence GL41 (currently GL35) Read >
- Serious damage licence GL42 (currently GL36) Read >
Pest professionals will typically be using the GL41 for public health and safety which covers:
|
Species (scientific name) for which action is to be taken
|
Slips and falls
|
Spread of human disease
|
Issues with birds nesting
|
|---|
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Canada goose
(Branta Canadensis)
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
|
Feral pigeon
(Columba livia)
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
|
Jackdaw
(Corvus monedula)
|
No
|
No
|
Yes
|
|
Monk parakeet
(Myiopsitta monachus)
|
No
|
No
|
Yes
|
Defra has said to BPCA:
“These [licences] are the result of nearly 18 months of work, including analysis of over 4,000 responses to our user survey, and review of the scientific evidence.
“[…] You have actively participated in meetings and workshops, this has been a valuable part of the process, thank you”.
Notable features for the licences
- The detail of conditions for trapping and protected sites have not yet been published
- Recording actions taken under the licence are recommended
- You must make reasonable endeavours to use lawful methods of non-lethal control before acting under this licence to kill or take feral pigeon or jackdaw (unless measures are “not practical, not effective, or disproportionate”).
Questions or concerns about new licences?
BPCA will be participating in various workshops and meetings with Defra over the coming weeks to help prepare members for the new licences.
If you have any concerns or questions about licences, please contact us, and we will find the answers for you.
technical@bpca.org.uk