- Detailed member briefings were developed and NFU colleagues acted quickly to update them following further announcements by Natural England.
- Guidance and advice to members was publicised through social media, email updates and NFUonline.
- NFU legal, policy and communications teams were in frequent dialogue with Natural England 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 (earlier than indicated by NE).
- Highlight concerns about the individual licensing regime implemented, 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.
The NFU has written to Defra Secretary of State Michael Gove, along with other rural and farming organisations, highlighting concerns around the removal of general licences.
NFU members: Click here to read the letter in full - you will be asked to log in.
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- 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.