YOUR OPINIONS

Natural England is inviting pest professionals to take part in an anonymous user survey for General Licences.

The survey opens on 2 November and closes at 5pm on 1 February 2027.

Natural England wants to better understand how these licences are used in practice, the situations in which they are relied upon, and whether they remain practical and effective for those who use them.

To do this, they want to hear directly from licence users. The more users who take part, the better the evidence will reflect real-world experience and need.

Natural England has commissioned independent research company ICF to carry out this survey of users of General Licences for wild bird control.

Following this survey there will be opportunity, in 2027, for some users of these licences to participate in more detailed, confidential interviews with our consultants ICF. Natural England expects ICF’s summary research report will be published in 2028.

More info on the licences involved can be found here:

• GL40 to conserve wild birds, flora and fauna for conservation concern
• GL41 for public health or safety
• GL42 to prevent serious damage.

Source: Online