Wild birds: licence to disturb, kill or take for science (A33 and LR33)
Apply for a licence to disturb, kill or take protected birds or their eggs for science, education or conservation and find out how to report your actions.
Applies to England
Documents
Details
If you need a licence as part of a conservation translocation, you must use the conservation translocation licence application form.
You must get a licence to carry out science, education or conservation work on wild birds listed on schedule 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act. The licence allows you to:
- disturb wild birds
- kill wild birds
- take wild birds and their eggs
To apply you must:
- complete application form (A33)
- include 2 references from people familiar with your work
- include a project plan
The project plan must include:
- objectives of the project
- why the work is necessary
- any alternative methods you’ve considered
- a plan or map to show the project location
Licences are free. Natural England will decide whether to issue a licence within 30 working days of receiving your application
How to report your actions
You must report any actions you took using this licence on the report form (LR33). You must report no later than 2 weeks after your licence expires, even if you’ve taken no action. Send your completed form by post or email to Natural England using the details on the form.
If you’re using the report form to renew your licence, you must include an updated project plan and map.
Updates to this page
Last updated 9 July 2024 + show all updates
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If you need a licence as part of a conservation translocation, you must use the conservation translocation licence application form.
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We've replaced the report form (LR33).
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We've updated the application and report action forms.
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Updated guidance to include a project plan and map for applications or renewals.
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Replaced application and report forms with revised interactive PDF versions.
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First published.