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Statutory guidance

Wild birds: licence to kill or take for conservation purposes (GL40)

As a land owner, occupier or authorised person, use this general licence to kill or take certain species of wild birds to conserve wild birds, flora or fauna of conservation concern.

Updates to this page

From:
Natural England
Published:
1 January 2021
Last updated:
1 January 2026
Show all updates

  1. From 1 January 2026, this licence will be issued by Natural England. It will be valid for 1 year. It introduces changes in structure and to wording of conditions and advice. A list of birds of conservation concern is provided. There are additional requirements to reduce bird disturbance in certain situations.

  2. From 1 January 2024, this licence will be valid for 2 years, until 31 December 2025. Sparrowhawks added to the list of woodland birds of conservation concern.

  3. From 1 January 2022, this licence will be valid for 2 years, until 31 December 2023. A change in title clarifies that flora and fauna of conservation concern are also included in the conservation purpose of this licence. Definitions of flora and fauna of conservation concern are included in the footnotes. Birds you can control under this licence are listed in Table 1 as permitted target birds. Advice on other relevant legislation has also been added to help you take action under this licence.

  4. First published.

Applies to England

Documents

GL40: general licence to kill or take certain species of wild birds to conserve wild birds, flora or fauna of conservation concern

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List of birds of conservation concern and woodland birds of conservation concern

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Details

You do not need to apply for general licence GL40, but you must comply with its conditions.

There are restrictions to avoid or reduce bird disturbance.

If you need help, email: wildlife@naturalengland.org.uk.

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