Change of https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/wild-birds-licence-to-kill-or-take-for-public-health-or-safety-gl41

Change description : 2026-01-01 00:01:00: 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. [Guidance and regulation]

Showing diff : 2024-01-01 00:12:40.097597015 +00:00..2026-01-01 00:18:00.046378366 +00:00

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.

From:
Department
Natural for Environment, Food & Rural AffairsEngland
Published
1 January 2021
Last updated
1 January 20242026 — See all updates

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.conditions. 

There are restrictions to avoid or reduce bird disturbance. 

If you need help, email: GLenquiries@defra.gov.ukemail: wildlife@naturalengland.org.uk.

Updates to this page

Published 1 January 2021
Last updated 1 January 2024 + show2026 href="#full-history">+ show all updates

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Update history

2026-01-01 00:01
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.

2024-01-01 00:01
From 1 January 2024, this licence will be valid for 2 years, until 31 December 2025.