Defra has published updated General Licences for wild bird control in England effective from 1st January 2022 until 31st December 2023.
The licences GL40, GL41 and GL42 are very similar to the 2021 licences with only very minor, but helpful, changes.
GWCT’s Director of Advisory Roger Draycott commented ‘we welcomed the opportunity from Defra to provide feedback on draft licences late last year. Reissuing licences for two years provides stability and clarity for licence users. It is essential that all land managers who operate under the licences to control birds to protect crops, livestock and wildlife are familiar with all the licence conditions, operating recommendations and any additional requirements or restrictions for their use on or near protected sites. We recommend all licence users download copies of the relevant licences and read them carefully. GWCT offer a half day course in best practice corvid control control which covers all relevant General Licence issues’. For further details contact lherring@gwct.org.uk.