GL43 conditions to remain the same for 2022/23, but with updated guidance

Following a meeting that was attended by the Countryside Alliance and other shooting organisations, Defra produced an update to General Licence 43 for the release of pheasants and red-legged partridge on or adjacent to European Protected Sites. Defra has now received approval from the Minister to issue the licence, to come into effect on 31 May 2022.

The licence conditions remain the same as they have been for the past year, with updated guidance in addition. Based on our recommendations, the new licence will include the following information:

• Advisory information about relevant legislation and guidance on how to prevent the spread of Avian Influenza.
• Clarification on who needs SSSI consent and in what circumstances.

Following our request for earlier communications on the issuing of a new GL43 each year, DEFRA has said that they aim to issue the 2023 general licence earlier in the year to give certainty to licence users when making their business decisions for the coming season.

There is also an updated advice service from Natural England to help users understand if they can act under a general licence or will need an individual licence. This has also been updated on the current 2021 general licence under the heading 'Who cannot use this licence', in order for licence users to rely on this service prior to the 2022/23 GL43 being published.