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Natural England - Natural England launches consultation on wildlife General Licences in England

Natural England launches consultation on wildlife General Licences in England

11 December 2008

Natural England is today (Thursday 11 December) launching a consultation into how aspects of its General Licences should be altered to ensure that they deliver appropriate levels of protection for native wildlife without imposing unnecessary controls and administrative burdens.

General Licences enable people to carry out activities affecting protected species that would otherwise be unlawful, but which are justified in certain circumstances, for example, to protect public health or safety or to manage certain species in order to deliver wider conservation benefits.

As the wildlife licensing authority for England, Natural England periodically reviews the scope of its General Licences to ensure that they remain up to date with changing needs in species and conversation management. While minor reviews occur annually, the last major review involving a public consultation was undertaken in 2004.

The consultation that starts today and runs until 13 March 2009, concerns the use of General Licences in England only. Natural England is seeking views on a number of proposals, including:

  • Removing the Great Black-backed gull and the Herring gull from a number of the licences permitting birds to be killed, in response to concerns about the conservation status of these native species;
  • Adding several problem-causing, non-native bird species – Monk and Ring-necked parakeets, and Canada and Egyptian geese - to relevant licences and ensuring that the General Licences are well aligned with the GB Non-native Species Framework Strategy, launched in May;
  • Simplifying the rules governing the sale of live and dead birds.

Launching the review, Natural England Director, Dr Tim Hill, said: “Natural England is inviting views on a wide range of issues through this consultation. General licences enable responsible management and exploitation of wildlife without superfluous bureaucracy, but only through a regular review can we ensure they remain fit for purpose. Natural England is here to protect the country’s wildlife and wild spaces, but this needn’t mean tying people up in red tape - today’s consultation is an important way of helping to ensure this.”

The current General Licences, which expire on 31 December 2008, will be renewed without major change on 1 January 2009. Any changes that are being considered as part of the consultation will only be introduced at a later date once the consultation has closed (31st March 2009).

Consultation documents and more detailed information on specific proposals are available online at: http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/ourwork/policy/consultations/generallicense.aspx

-Ends-

Notes for editors:

1. General Licences

  • The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 is the principal piece of legislation covering the conservation and protection of birds, other animals and plants. Section 16 of the Act allows licences to be issued that put aside the protection given to species where this is suitably justified. Natural England is a licensing authority under the Act, and is also authorised by the Secretary of State to issue licences on his or her behalf.
  • In some situations Natural England issues a General Licence instead of requiring people to apply for a personal licence. General Licences allow activities affecting protected species that would otherwise be unlawful, but which are justified in certain circumstances, for example, to protect public health or safety.
  • General licences are suitable for activities that pose a low risk for species conservation and where applying for a personal licence on a case by case would be an overly burdensome and bureaucratic task. Each general licence will clearly state who is eligible to use the licence and what terms and conditions apply.
  • Although major changes to General Licences occur infrequently, reviews for minor changes take place annually, prior to Licences being re-issued at the beginning of January each year. It’s important, therefore, to read the new version of any Licence you use to stay abreast of the minor changes that are being made
  • A full list of General Licences can be found on the Natural England website.
  • Further information on general licences, including a full catalogue of current licences, and on Natural England’s wider licensing role is available on the licensing pages of the Natural England website.

2. Natural England is the Government’s independent wildlife, farming and landscape adviser, as well as being a regulatory authority. 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 http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/

3. For further information contact the Natural England press office on 0845 603 9953, press@naturalengland.org.uk, out of hours 07970 098005. For further information about Natural England please visit: http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/

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