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 wild birds to conserve wild birds, flora or fauna of conservation concern.
Applies to England
Documents
Details
You do not need to apply for general licence GL40, but you must comply with its conditions.
If you need help, email: GLenquiries@defra.gov.uk.
Updates to this page
Published 1 January 2021Last updated 1 January 2024 + show all updates
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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.
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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.
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First published.