DEFRA issue new general licenses for 2022

Defra have issued new general licenses for 2022 which will run for two years unlike the previous versions which lasted for one year. Defra state that this is to provide a more stable platform for operators to use.

In general there are only minor changes but they are now in a more simplified format and now include a definition of livestock so that any confusion can be avoided. Other birds including gulls are still subject to individual licensing.

General Licenses available are as follows:

• GL40 – general licence to kill or take certain species of wild birds to conserve wild birds, flora or fauna of conservation concern
• GL41 – licence to kill or take for public health or safety 
• GL42 – licence to kill or take to prevent serious damage.