Pest bird control UK law: what’s legal, what’s ethical, and what “General Licences” actually mean
⚠️ Guidance only: this article is general information, not legal advice. Always follow UK law and site safety rules. Licences and conditions can change—always read the current licence that applies to your country and situation.
Pest bird control UK law is simple in principle: wild birds are protected, and you can’t just “deal with them” because they’re annoying. Where control is permitted, it has to be for a lawful purpose, using lawful methods, and under the terms of the relevant licence.
The baseline: what’s illegal by default
Under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (and related wildlife law), it’s generally an offence to intentionally kill, injure or take wild birds, and to take, damage or destroy nests in use or being built, or take or destroy eggs.
That’s the “starting position”. Any lawful control sits on top of that via specific permissions (licences/exceptions) and strict conditions.
What a “General Licence” is (and what it isn’t)
A General Licence is a published permission that allows certain authorised people to carry out specific actions against certain species for specific purposes, without applying for an individual licence—as long as you meet every condition.
It is not:
- a free-for-all to shoot/trap because birds are present
- a permission to ignore safety, welfare, or non-lethal options
- identical across the whole UK (rules differ by country)
England: the three General Licences you’ll hear referenced most
In England, the “headline” General Licences are typically:
- GL40 (conservation purpose)
- GL41 (public health / public safety)
- GL42 (prevent serious damage)
GL42 is the one farms most commonly think about: it covers preventing serious damage to things like livestock, foodstuffs for livestock, crops, fruit/veg, fisheries or inland waters (subject to the licence’s terms and definitions).
Key point: you must read the actual licence text and comply with its conditions. If you can’t meet the conditions, you can’t rely on the licence.
The “authorised person” bit matters
General Licences usually restrict who can act (for example, the landowner/occupier or someone authorised by them). If you’re using a contractor, the permission and site constraints matter. If you’re doing it yourself, you still need to meet the licence conditions.
“Serious damage” isn’t “I don’t like them”
One of the biggest mistakes people make is assuming nuisance = licence justification.
Think of “serious damage” as real, evidenced impact or a credible, immediate risk of it—typically:
- repeated crop loss / crop stripping
- contamination risk around feed or foodstuffs
- damage to structures or stored produce
- persistent pressure that won’t be solved by simple prevention
You don’t need to write an essay, but you do need to be able to justify why action was necessary under the licence purpose.
Non-lethal first: what “reasonable steps” looks like on farms
In practical farm terms, “reasonable non-lethal steps” often means:
- Remove attractants: spilled feed, open waste, easy roost points
- Reduce access: repair cladding gaps, keep doors shut where possible
- Deny harbourage: move/rotate stored pallets and materials
- Change the routine: break habitual roosting with consistent disturbance and hygiene
If you’re skipping all of that and going straight to lethal control, you’re far more exposed if anyone challenges what you did.
Methods and equipment: don’t wing it
This is where people get themselves into trouble. Beyond the legal framework, there are restrictions around methods, traps, poisons, and welfare.
General rule: if you’re not 100% sure the method is lawful and humane, don’t use it. Check official guidance and the licence conditions, or use a competent professional.
Nests and nesting season: the fast way to create a legal problem
Even “routine” work can become an offence if it destroys or damages nests in use or being built.
Before proofing, repairs, or clearing ledges/voids, check for active nesting and plan work properly. If you’re unsure, pause and get advice—this is one of the most common ways people stumble into enforcement trouble.
England vs Wales/Scotland/Northern Ireland
Licensing is not one-size-fits-all across the UK. England’s GL40–GL42 are issued via Defra/Natural England routes, but other countries have their own competent authorities and licence naming.
So if you operate across borders (or have land in more than one nation), don’t assume an “England” licence covers you elsewhere.
When you need an individual licence instead
If your situation doesn’t fit the General Licence conditions (wrong purpose, wrong location constraints, wrong species, wrong method, or you can’t meet the required steps), you may need to apply for a specific/individual licence.
Practical “stay-legal” checklist
Use this as your quick pre-action filter:
- Have I identified the species properly?
- What country am I in, and which licence applies here?
- What purpose am I relying on (serious damage / public safety / conservation)?
- Have I taken reasonable preventative steps first?
- Am I an authorised person for this land?
- Can I comply with the licence conditions in full?
- Is the method safe, humane, and lawful?
- Am I at risk of disturbing active nests?
If any answer is “not sure”, stop and verify before you act.
Pest bird control UK law FAQs
What is a General Licence for pest birds?
A General Licence is a published permission that lets an authorised person carry out otherwise-prohibited control actions against certain listed wild bird species for specific purposes, as long as every condition is met.
Do I need to apply or register to use a General Licence?
Usually, no application is needed — but you must read the current licence and comply with its conditions. If your situation doesn’t fit the licence, you may need an individual licence instead.
What does GL42 cover?
In England, GL42 is the General Licence linked to preventing serious damage (including to livestock, foodstuffs for livestock, crops, vegetables, fruit, fisheries or inland waters), subject to the licence definitions and conditions.
Which bird species are covered under GL42?
Only the species listed on the current GL42 document are covered. The list can change when licences are reissued, so you must check the latest version for your country and year.
Are wild birds protected in the UK?
Yes. In England, you generally can’t kill/capture wild birds or damage eggs/nests to prevent problems unless you act under a valid licence and follow its conditions.
What does “authorised person” mean?
Typically, it means the landowner/occupier or someone authorised by them to act. The exact definition is set out in the licence text, so confirm it in the current licence you’re relying on.
Do General Licences apply across the whole UK?
No. Bird licensing is devolved. England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland can have different licences, conditions and authorities — always check what applies where the land is.
Do I have to try non-lethal methods first under GL42?
You have to consider “reasonable” alternative lawful methods before and during action under the licence. The GL42 guidance explains you don’t have to keep using non-lethal options if they’re not practical, effective, or proportionate — but you should be able to justify what you considered.
What counts as “serious damage” for GL42?
GL42 is aimed at preventing serious damage to the types of assets listed in the licence (for example livestock feed and crops). Whether damage is “serious” is fact-specific — you should be able to explain the risk or impact you’re preventing, and why control was necessary under the licence purpose.
Can I shoot pigeons or crows under a General Licence?
It can be lawful only if the species, purpose and conditions match the relevant licence and you meet all requirements (including being an authorised person). If those conditions aren’t met, it’s not lawful.
Is it legal to shoot woodpigeons all year in the UK?
Shooting woodpigeons can be lawful throughout the year if it is carried out in accordance with the relevant current General Licence conditions and for a lawful purpose.
Can I destroy nests or eggs under GL42?
Some licensing routes can allow nest/egg actions in limited circumstances, but this is tightly controlled and depends on what the licence permits and your purpose. Always check the exact licence wording and conditions before doing anything involving nests/eggs.
What’s the difference between GL41 and GL42?
GL41 is typically framed around public health/public safety, while GL42 is framed around preventing serious damage (for example to agriculture and livestock-related assets). Which one applies depends on the problem you’re preventing.
Do I need to keep records when using a General Licence?
Record keeping is widely treated as good practice (and can protect you if your actions are questioned). Even where it’s not presented as a strict “must” in every context, having notes of the problem, the purpose, and the steps considered is sensible.
What is “Condition 5” and why do protected sites matter?
Some protected areas (like SPAs) have additional conditions. There’s an official dataset of “Condition Zone” areas where extra restrictions apply under GL40–GL42, so you need to check if your land falls within one.
When do I need an individual licence instead?
If the species isn’t listed, your purpose doesn’t match, you can’t meet the conditions, or the site constraints/protected-site rules prevent lawful use of the General Licence, you may need to apply for an individual licence.
What’s the biggest mistake people make with pest birds on farms?
Assuming “they’re a nuisance” is enough. Licences are purpose-based and condition-based — if you can’t show the correct purpose and comply with conditions, you’re exposed.
Do General Licences change each year?
They can be reissued/updated, and conditions/species lists can change — so you should always check the current version before relying on one.
Additional resources
Start with these official and reputable sources for the current licence text and plain-English guidance: