On 1 January 2026, Natural England issued new and updated General Licences for wild bird control — GL40 (conservation purposes), GL42 (preventing serious damage) and the associated GL33 (standard conditions for trapping). This follows the transfer of responsibility to Natural England from Defra. These replace the previous licences, which were valid until 31 December 2025, and while the changes are largely light-touch, there are a number of practical differences that wildlife managers, gamekeepers and landowners need to be aware of, understand and factor into their planning for the year ahead.
Key changes
Licence duration reduced to one year
The 2026 GL40 and GL42 licences will be valid from 1 January to 31 December 2026. This is a reduction from the two-year expiry previously used by Defra.
Natural England issuing the licences
These licences issued by Natural England align with its broader licensing style and presentation. This transition involves refinements in structure and wording of licence conditions and advice, although the core purposes and permissions remain broadly consistent.
Changes to species listings under GL40
Under the 2026 GL40 (licence to kill or take certain species of wild birds to conserve wild birds, flora or fauna of conservation concern), the basis for the list of birds that can be “protected” has been updated. Whereas the earlier licence referenced red and amber lists of conservation concern, the 2026 version uses a refined species list incorporating scientific evidence and conservation priorities. This updated list includes green-listed species such as red grouse where expert opinion suggests that continued predation management contributes to favourable conservation status.
Changes to operating on or near Special Protection Areas (SPAs)
Those operating on or near to SPAs should be aware that Condition 5 (using the licence on or near Special Protection Areas) has been reviewed. The buffer zones for each SPA have been reassessed and may have changed from the previous licences. Operators should familiarise themselves with the specific conditions for their location.
New condition to reduce avian influenza risk
In recognition of ongoing concerns about avian influenza transmission, Natural England has added a condition across GL40, GL42 and GL33 requiring users to avoid excessive disturbance of certain species or assemblages of birds associated with protected sites when acting under the licences. Importantly, this is not a prohibition of activity in any location or at specified times, but it does require licence users to consider disturbance impacts and minimise them where possible in their operations.
Updates to GL33 trapping conditions
The standard licence conditions for trapping (GL33) have also been updated for 2026, with a specific note that decoy birds used in trapping must be registered on the Kept Birds Register (previously the Poultry Register) where required. This change complements the revised GL40/GL42 conditions and reflects a continued emphasis on legal compliance and animal welfare around trapping methods and decoy use.
Stay up to date with GWCT training
The GWCT runs best practice training courses for gamekeepers, wildlife managers and landowners that cover predation management, legal compliance, and changes to licences such as GL40, GL42 and GL33, helping practitioners stay current with evolving legislation and best practice. Attending these courses can be an important part of demonstrating due diligence and competence in wildlife management.
To book on a course or arrange a bespoke course in your area for your estate team or local group, please contact our Advisory team: advisory@gwct.org.uk or call 01284 831028.
GWCT Best Practice Courses in 2026
- Predation Management Training, 3 March at Burgate Manor, Fordingbridge, Hampshire
- Predation Management Training, 12 March at The Allerton Project, Loddington, Leicestershire
- Predation Management Training, 17 March at the Bywell Office, Stockwell, Northumberland
- One day Part-time Keepers course, 26 March at Burgate Manor, Fordingbridge, Hampshire
- One day Part-time Keepers course, 31 March at the Bywell Office, Stockwell, Northumberland
- BASIS Game Management Professional Qualification, 13-15 April at Burgate Manor, Fordingbridge, Hampshire
- BASIS Game Management Professional Qualification, 27-29 April at the Bywell Office, Stockwell, Northumberland
Read the new General Licences for 2026