General licences under the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981

[john b 38]

General licences under the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981

 

 

 

These licences are issued annually by DEFRA and are valid in England (similar arrangements apply in Scotland and Wales. In Northern Ireland the general licences are issued under the Wildlife (Northern Ireland) Order 1985)

 

All general licences are subject to certain conditions of use. Licences do not confer any right of access or right to take action to otherwise unauthorised persons. The summaries below are for guidance only. You are advised to read a copy of the relevant licence before undertaking any action.

 

The one we are most interested in covers pest species;

 

Permits authorised persons to kill or take certain birds, or to take, damage or destroy their nests; or to take or destroy their eggs, for the purposes of: (i) preventing the spread of disease; and (ii) preventing serious damage to livestock, foodstuffs for livestock, crops, vegetables, fruit, growing timber, fisheries or inland waters. The species on the licence are:

 

Common name

 

Canada Goose

Crow

Dove, Collared

Gull, Great Black-backed

Gull, Lesser Black-backed

Gull, Herring

Jackdaw

Jay

Magpie

Pigeon, Feral

Rook

Woodpigeon

 

http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/ourwork/r...allicences.aspx

 

Game birds, in season, are also permitted.

[Batchee95 0]

Hi, I am new to the hunting scene and want to know if these licences apply ONLY if shooting/trapping outside of private property, i.e. Farmers'land where consent has been given, or do you have to be in possession of a general licence regardless before you shoot/trap anywhere in the uk. Also is the same or another licence needed for rabits, squirrels, etc.....How much do they cost? Any help appreciated. Thanks

[zig zag wanderer 0]

I would also suggest that licence no. Gen -L07 Licence to kill or take certain birds to preserve public health and safety could also apply to pest control.

[camies 1]

Basically, does just carrying a copy of the licence and complying with it's provisions mean that you are "legal" or do you literally have to apply for a licence for every seperate location?

[john b 38]

Basically, does just carrying a copy of the licence and complying with it's provisions mean that you are "legal" or do you literally have to apply for a licence for every separate location?

 

You don't need to apply for the general licences, they are applicable to anyone and anywhere provided, as you point out, that you comply with the provisions and have appropriate permissions for the land.

 

You are not required to carry a copy of it with you although that's generally a very good idea.