Pests news from BPCA

07 January 2020

What’s happening with bird licences?

As we enter 2020, BPCA Technical Officer Natalie Bungay gives a brief overview of the current status of bird licences for pest management across the UK.

 general licences quick look pest management

England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland all have different ‘general licences’ for the control of birds.

EnglandWales and Scotland have already made changes or have announced intended changes for 2019/2020.

Species and reasons for control differ slightly from country to country, so you must be familiar with all the areas in which you operate and their licence conditions.

Your governing authority for these licences will have full copies for you to download and read: it is important that you do this, as it is a legal requirement.

Any changes to these licences will be widely advertised and we will do our best to keep you up-to-date.

England licences
gov.uk/government/collections/general-licences-for-wildlife-management

Scotland licences
nature.scot/professional-advice/safeguarding-protected-areas-and-species/licensing/species-licensing-z-guide/birds-and-licensing/general-licences-birds

Wales licences
cyfoethnaturiolcymru.gov.uk/permits-and-permissions/species-licensing/uk-protected-species-licensing/general-licences-for-birds-2020

Northern Ireland licences
daera-ni.gov.uk/articles/wildlife-licensing 

Got a burning question?

Are you a member with a question you'd like to put to our technical team? Get in touch.

technical@bpca.org.uk

Source: Online

Highlights View all news

13 March 2025

Latest news

Hantavirus and the role of pest control in preventing its spread

Following news of a high profile Hantavirus death recently, we've put together some information on the virus and how good pest management can help stop it spreading.

Read more

06 November 2024

Latest news

CRRU UK prepares rodenticide users for 2026 certification requirements

CRRU UK confirms that from 2026, sellers of professional-use rodenticides will only accept two forms of proof of competence at the point of sale.

Read more

06 June 2024

Latest news

Minister Pow changes mind on glue board licensing scheme (England)

As a result of BPCA’s lobbying efforts, Minister Pow has asked for changes to the glue board licensing regime in England. 

Read more
Latest View all news

02 July 2025

Latest news

Pest control professionals flock to BASF farm training day

Press release: Pest control professionals from across the UK travelled to Hurcott Farm, Somerset, to take part an immersive, full-day training event.

Read more

26 June 2025

Latest news

Join BPCA's Qualifications Framework working groups

BPCA is looking for volunteers to join two working groups, to help develop new qualifications for the future framework.

Read more

26 June 2025

Latest news

BASF renews Mental Health survey to uncover ongoing challenges in pest control

Press release: BASF, has launched its second annual mental health survey, continuing its mission to better understand and support the wellbeing of pest controllers across the UK.

Read more