Latest News from BPCA

03 August 2020

Wild Justice hearing given go-ahead over Welsh general licences

Wild Justice, the campaign group spearheaded by Chris Packham, has been granted an expedited hearing over "legality" of bird control licences issued by Natural Resources Wales (NRW).

wild-justice-legal-hearing-go-ahead-wales icon

The hearing, believed to be taking place in Autumn, will be a judicial review of general licences issued for bird control in Wales, which Wild Justice believe to be unlawful.

Since successful legal bids to change the general licences across the UK began around February 2019, changes have been made to the licensing systems in each nation.

In Wales, four general licences were revoked on 7 October 2019 and new versions issued (GL001, GL002, GL004 and GL016).

Currently these authorise the control of a number of some bird species for public health and safety, conservation, and prevention of serious damage or spread of disease to livestock and crops.

These general licences are valid until 31 December 2020, while an ongoing review by NRW into how the licences work continues. 

BPCA Chief Executive, Ian Andrew, commented:

“I am delighted BPCA is working alongside a few other key stakeholders to help NRW’s review and development of bird licensing.

“This legal challenge will likely only result in slowing down efforts by NRW to get a workable licensing system in place. We cannot have a repeat of this year’s licensing problems in Wales or elsewhere.

"Most of our members were left unable to undertake any lethal control this season (including egg removal) in a situation where there was a clear risk. This is a concern, as we believe we need to strike a balance between protecting public health, and respecting and preserving British wildlife."

Further reading:

Changes to bird control licences in Wales: bpca.org.uk/News/changes-to-bird-control-general-licences-in-wales/236526

Natural Resources Wales General Licences: naturalresources.wales/permits-and-permissions/species-licensing/uk-protected-species-licensing/general-licences-for-birds-2020/?lang=en

A birds-eye view of general licences: bpca.org.uk/News/bpca-get-a-birds-eye-view-of-general-licences/234235

Open letter to Natural England: Individual licences for gull control in England, this year and beyond: bpca.org.uk/News-and-Blog/bpca-open-letter-to-natural-england-on-gull-control-licences/257007

Scotland: General licences for bird control update: bpca.org.uk/News/scotland-general-licences-for-bird-control-update/242379

Wild Justice: Our latest legal challenge: wildjustice.org.uk/general/test-3/

Source: Online

Highlights View all news

15 May 2025

Latest news

Join the BPCA Executive Board: Put yourself forward now

BPCA is on the lookout for new Executive Board Directors to help shape the future of the Association.

Read more

27 March 2025

Latest news

PPC Live 2025 review: a showcase of pest control expertise

PPC Live returned to Harrogate on 19 March 2025, once again bringing together the UK pest industry for a day of networking, learning and expert insights. 

Read more

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
Latest View all news

28 May 2025

Latest news

BPCA Registered App upgraded - smarter, faster CPD tracking now live

The BPCA Registered App has just received a significant upgrade, making it easier than ever to stay on top of your Continuing Professional Development (CPD).

Read more

27 May 2025

Latest news

Cleankill staff put their best feet forward for charity

Press release: Two Cleankill colleagues have been raising money for the Royal Marsden cancer charity.

Read more

27 May 2025

Latest news

OCS Foundation to help young people relaunches

Press release: OCS Foundation relaunches with renewed mission to empower children and young people across the UK and Ireland.

Read more