Natural England

From 1 January 2008, Natural England will take over responsibility for issuing “general” licences under the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 in England from Defra. A new series of licences, which come into force from 1 January, is available on the Natural England website at www.naturalengland.org.uk/conservation/wildlife-management-licensing/genlicences.htm.

Licences remain substantively unchanged from last year, but regular users will notice some minor changes to the appearance of the licences, making the licence and conditions of use more readily understood by users.

Following stakeholder consultation this autumn, two new general licences have been issued. One permits the taking of the Edible Dormice (Glis glis) using traps for the purposes of preventing damage and preserving public health and public safety. This species is a non-native and is recognised as a problem species in those areas of the country where present. The second new licence allows the sale of dead Red Squirrels and Pine Martens.

General licences are issued to allow certain actions to be carried out that would otherwise be illegal under the legislation, without the need for people to apply for an individual licence. It is important that anyone planning to rely on a general licence takes the time to read and understand the terms and conditions of licences, as they are not applicable in all situations and failure to follow conditions of use may result in an offence being committed. Where general licences do not cover the activity proposed, it may be possible to apply for a individual licence from Natural England.

General licences are issued for a range of activities, including the sale, exhibition and possession of protected species, the investigation of crimes, the rehabilitation of injured animals and the control of certain species that are, at times, in conflict with people's interests (e.g. air safety, damage to crops and the conservation of other species).

During 2008, Natural England will review all current general licences as well as exploring the scope to extend their use to reduce unnecessary regulatory burdens.

Contact Natural England’s Wildlife Licensing Unit on 0845 6014523 or email wildlife@naturalengland.org.uk.

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For further information please contact the Natural England Press Office on 0845 603 9953, out of hours 07970 098005, email press@naturalengland.org.uk.

Natural England works for people, places and nature to conserve and enhance biodiversity, landscapes and wildlife in rural, urban, coastal and marine areas. We conserve and enhance the natural environment for its intrinsic value, the wellbeing and enjoyment of people, and the economic prosperity it brings.