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

15 December 2025

Latest news

Check for signs of uninvited guests ahead of Christmas

Experts at BPCA are urging householders to check for signs of pests around the home while getting ready for Christmas.

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

15 December 2025

Latest news

BPCA joins the Alliance of Chemical Associations

British Pest Control Association has been voted into the Alliance of Chemical Associations, strengthening the Association’s voice on chemical regulation and public health policy.

Read more