Feature articles

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

30 October 2025

Latest news

BPCA launch new careers hub, video and Open Doors Charter

Rosina Robson shares how the Association’s new pestcareers.org.uk hub, recruitment film, Open Doors Charter and social media campaign are helping to attract a more diverse, skilled and inspired workforce into pest management.

Read more

07 July 2025

Latest news

BPCA pledges support to Armed Forces Community with covenant commitment

BPCA has proudly signed the Armed Forces Covenant, strengthening its commitment to supporting current and former military personnel and their families.

Read more

06 June 2025

Latest news

Results are in: meet your new BPCA Board representatives 2025

Six new Member Directors have been chosen to help lead the Association and represent the interests of BPCA members at the highest level.

Read more
Latest View all news

31 October 2025

Latest news

VIDEO: Consumer vulnerability: recognising the signs, reducing the risks with Louise Baxter MBE

Louise Baxter MBE, Head of the National Trading Standards Scams Team and Non-Executive Director at TrustMark, explores what consumer vulnerability really means in 2025 and how it affects the work you do every day.

Read more

31 October 2025

Latest news

VIDEO: Duty of care: an employer’s guide | BPCA Quest HR support

In this clear and practical session, Hema Mistry, Head of Service at Quest, breaks down what every business owner needs to understand about their legal and moral responsibilities towards staff.

Read more

31 October 2025

Latest news

VIDEO: How we support our colleagues at Pelsis

SPONSORED. In this session, Sophie Thorogood, Technical Training Manager at Pelsis, shares how the business is leading the way in supporting staff wellbeing across its UK sites.

Read more