Sporting Shooter UK – August 2019

NEWS

SHOOTING

For the very latest news visit http://www.sportingshooter.co.uk

Defra has released three new general licences which have, for the most part,

been approved by our rural organisations. The move follows Defra’s recent

call for evidence of the range of impacts experienced by groups and

individuals as a result of the revocation of the general licences in April. There

are, however, still concerns over the approach to European designated sites

(or ‘protected sites’), home to much of our most important wildlife, which are

not covered by the new licences.

There were over 4,000 responses to the call for evidence, with crow attacks

on lambs and ewes, predation of eggs and fledglings of birds of conservation

concern, and public health issues caused by pigeons in urban areas being

among the range of issues reported. Defra also sought the views of user

groups on the usability of different potential licensing options.

The resulting three new general licences seek to protect wild birds whilst

recognising the legitimate needs of people and other wildlife.

The new licences will allow users to control certain species of wild birds in

order to: conserve wild birds and flora or fauna (GL34); preserve public health

or public safety (GL35); and prevent serious damage to livestock, foodstuffs

for livestock, crops, vegetables, fruit, growing timber, fisheries or inland

waters (GL36).

The new licences will be valid until 29 February 2020. In the meantime,

Defra will lead a review of the longer-term general licensing arrangements

with the intention of launching an initial public consultation by the end of the

summer, with further details to follow.

RESPONSES FROM RURAL ORGANISATIONS

Liam Bell, NGO chairman, said: “Two cheers to Defra for sorting out most of

the mess left after NE’s licence revocations in April. We reserve our third

cheer until they have also addressed the remaining issues in protected sites.

The team-working between the shooting organisations has been great on this

and a big reason for the turnarounds gained so far. We look forward to playing

our part in finishing the job.”

Countryside Alliance chief executive Tim Bonner said: “Since

Defra has taken back control of the licences we have seen

significant progress and for most people managing most

species the situation is now back as it was. The discussion

does not, however, stop here, and we will seek to resolve

the outstanding issues as part of the planned consultation later this year.”

BASC chief executive Ian Bell said: “The organisations have worked

extensively in the background with Defra and we are content that the new,

additional general licences issued today will be fit for purpose in many areas

but significant concerns remain around protected sites. We appreciate that

it’s not a perfect situation and there may still be some confusion; the

organisations will continue to be on hand to steer our members through. The

organisations have told Defra that we expect any gaps to be picked up by the

consultation in the summer.”

USEFUL LINKS:

For general guidance relating to the use of the new licences, visit:

http://bit.ly/2XceKRT

General licence GL34 (to kill or take for conservation purposes):

http://bit.ly/2Rf9GHf

General licence GL35 (to kill or take for public health or safety):

http://bit.ly/2MN4NX

General licence GL36 (to kill or take to prevent serious damage):

http://bit.ly/2IepN4M

To apply for an individual licence for circumstances not covered by the

general licences (for example, the control of herring or lesser black-backed

gulls): http://bit.ly/2XKnQCx

Progress at last: three new general licences issued by Defra

PICTURE:

I’LL ADD WHEN UNLOCKED

To

read more about

the general licences

saga, the impact it’s had

and what the next steps

might be, turn to pages

51, 55 and 62.