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Statutory guidance

Wild birds: licence to kill or take for public health or safety (GL41)

As a land owner, occupier or authorised person, use this general licence to kill or take certain species of wild birds by various means to preserve public health or safety.

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. Additional bird species to preserve public health are listed. 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.

  3. From 1 January 2022, this licence will be valid for 2 years, until 31 December 2023. 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

GL41: general licence to kill or take certain species of wild birds to preserve public health or public safety

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Details

You do not need to apply for general licence GL41, 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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