BASC needs to collate valuable opinions from people who control ‘pest’ birds in Wales. This will form part of the evidence that BASC will submit to Natural Resources Wales to ensure any future system around general licences remains fit for purpose.
NRW has announced that it is currently reviewing the evidence that support the operation of its existing general licences. This may result to changes in the way some licences are issued.
We have created a short survey for anyone who shoots in Wales. All responses will remain anonymous and the survey shouldn’t take more than 10 minutes to complete. The survey, which can be submitted in both English and Welsh, will run until 5pm on Wednesday 24th July.
BASC Wales Director Steve Griffiths said: “It is essential that anyone who uses the general licences in Wales completes this survey.
“NRW have taken steps to ensure the licensing system is fit for purpose and the evidence gathered through this survey will help inform their decision and create the bedrock of the next set of general licences.”
In a recent position statement, NRW said: “NRW wants to make sure that our licencing system is robust and proportionate, carefully balancing the needs of wildlife and people.
“Following legal advice, we are carrying out a systematic review of the evidence base, and this may mean changes in the way we issue some of our general licences.
“Our new procedures and licences will come to effect in mid-August and we will liaise with stakeholders in advance of any changes.”
Please feel free to share the survey links.
If you have problems accessing the survey or questions about how we will use the results, please email surveys@basc.org.uk or call 01244 573 016.
SNH has now stated they will be reviewing their own general licences and that there will be a 12-week consultation later this summer. So is this is SNH buckling under? I don’t think so.
Defra has advised BASC that there will be no changes to the general licences (GL40-42) when they renew from 1 January 2024 for two years.
An average of 500 responses have been received each hour since the survey was launched.
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