Recognising the importance of general licences that allow farmers and growers to control certain wild birds to protect livestock and crops, here is an update on the NFU's work on this issue to date:

• Detailed member briefings have been developed and colleagues have acted quickly to update these following announcements by NE. Read the latest guidance here - you will be asked to log in.
   
• Guidance and advice to members has been publicised through social media, email updates and NFUonline.
   
• NFU legal, policy and communications teams have been in frequent dialogue with NE counterparts to:
  • Urge NE to issue new general licences as quickly as possible and to prioritise those of importance to NFU members, in particular to protect livestock and crops from serious damage. This was achieved by the issuing of the general licence to control crows for the protection of livestock on Friday evening (earlier than indicated by NE).
  • Highlight concerns about the individual licensing regime implemented on Thursday evening, including IT issues and licence conditions.
  • Provide detailed feedback from our members on the application process.
  • Press for swift determination of individual licences.
  • Raise concerns about the limitations of the new general licence to control crows.
  • Urge NE to issue further licences which are focused on the protection to be achieved rather than species specific.
     

• NFU members: Get the latest guidance here - this will be updated as the situation changes.
• Bird scarers: If you're using deterrents and scarers to help limit the damage caused by birds, follow the NFU's bird scarers code of practice to ensure you're using them responsibly and to avoid noise complaints from neighbours.