Defra reissues licences for pigeon and corvid control

Yesterday morning BASC Chief Executive, Ian Bell, and I met the Environment Secretary Michael Gove to discuss the issuing of new General Licences for the control of woodpigeons, crows, magpies and other avian pest species. We were also representing our colleagues from the CLA, GWCT, Moorland Association, National Gamekeepers Organisation and the Game Farmers Association with whom we have been working very closely since Natural England's ridiculous decision to revoke the General Licences in April.

Whilst we remain very concerned about that decision, we are grateful for the Secretary of State's intervention and since Defra took back control of the licences we have seen significant progress. That culminated in the publication this morning of three new General Licences for the control of 13 avian species for the purposes of prevention of serious damage to crops and livestock, conservation of flora and fauna, and protecting public health and safety.

The new licences (available here) have been widely reported including in the Telegraph and the Daily Mail.

As was the situation previously users do not need to apply for these licences, but they should ensure that they are familiar with the terms and conditions before carrying out lethal control.

We still have concerns about Defra's approach to "protected sites", which are home to much of our most important wildlife, where there will be additional licence requirements. There will be a further full consultation on the licences this summer where we will be looking to resolve this and any other outstanding issues. However, for most people managing most species the situation is now back as it was before the licences were revoked.

The Judicial Review by the organisation 'Wild Justice' that was the catalyst for the original revocation of the General Licences has therefore achieved absolutely nothing other than to remove protection from livestock, nesting birds and other wildlife during the most vulnerable period of the year. Along with a new Judicial Review it has launched in relation to one of Natural England's replacement General Licences this action confirms that 'Wild Justice' is nothing more than a single issue anti-shooting organisation with a malicious agenda. It has thus far failed in its stated intent to undermine the General Licence system and whilst rural organisations stand together to ensure that Defra continues to act on the basis of evidence and principle it will continue to do so.

Tim Bonner

Chief Executive

Follow me at @CA_TimB