Latest News from BPCA

17 December 2020

Defra releases final 2021 General Licences for bird control

Defra has published its final versions of the new General Licences for the lethal control of wild birds, which will take effect on 1 January 2021.

defra-releases-final-bird-licences

Last month Defra shared the new general licences to give pest professionals as much time as possible to become familiar with them before they take effect on 1 January 2021.

The final new general licences, which includes the condition for European protected sites, were published in full on 16 December 2020.

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

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

The revised trapping conditions for the new general licences are in the updated GL33 document, here.

A Defra spokesperson told BPCA, "The new licences are the result of nearly 18 months of work, including analysis of over 4000 responses to our user survey, and review of the scientific evidence.

"Many of you have actively participated in meetings and workshops, this has been a valuable part of the process, thank you."

Questions or concerns about new licences?

If you're a BPCA member and have any concerns or questions about licences, please contact us.

technical@bpca.org.uk

Source: Online

Highlights View all news

08 January 2026

Latest news

Glue trap sales changes can move forward after committee backs regulations

The Draft United Kingdom Internal Market Act 2020 (Exclusions from Market Access Principles: Glue Traps) Regulations 2025 cleared an important hurdle yesterday.

Read more

05 January 2026

Latest news

Glue trap SALES ban moves a step closer following BPCA lobbying

Proposals to pave the way for a ban on the sale of rodent glue traps across the UK will be debated in Parliament this week.

Read more

15 December 2025

Latest news

BPCA wrapped 2025: a message to members from Rosina Robson

In this video, Rosina Robson, Chief Executive of the British Pest Control Association, reflects on a year of momentum, challenge and progress for the Association.

Read more
Latest View all news

15 January 2026

Latest news

VIDEO: Pest equipment maintenance – getting ready for insect season with Anna Iversen

We spend a lot of time talking about products, pests and labels. But what about the equipment that actually puts chemistry where it needs to be?

Read more

15 January 2026

Latest news

Full PestEx 2026 Technical Theatre programme released

BPCA has unveiled the full Technical Theatre seminar schedule for PestEx. Two days of focused talks built for pest professionals.

Read more

14 January 2026

Latest news

Free local training days at BPCA’s revamped Training Forums – first stop: Glasgow!

BPCA is inviting the whole industry to our refreshed in-person Training Forums for 2026, giving pest professionals more chances to learn, debate and get hands-on with practical skills across the UK.

Read more