Wild birds: licence to kill or take to prevent serious damage (GL42)
As a land owner, occupier or authorised person, use this general licence to kill or take certain wild birds to prevent serious damage.
Applies to England
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You do not need to apply for general licence GL42, 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.
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Footnote 7 has been updated to clarify the definition of livestock. This change has been made in line with S16(5)(d) of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.
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From 1 January 2022, this licence will be valid for 2 years, until 31 December 2023. Definitions for ‘serious damage’ and ‘livestock’ have been added to 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.