BASC is urging members and wider shooting community to be aware and respond to a new consultation on general and individual licences for the shooting and trapping of wild birds launched today (19th August) in Wales.
Within the consultation Natural Resources Wales (NRW) are considering removing magpies from the general licences in light of evidence of the species decline in Wales.
NRW’s 12-week consultation forms part of a wider wild bird review that has been evaluating their current approach and the different types of permissions that they offer.
The consultation document runs to 70 questions over 87 pages.
BASC Wales director Steve Griffiths said: “BASC will be inputting a full response and it is vital those with an interest in the future of controlling wild birds do so also. BASC will be issuing further advice in the coming weeks.
“We have been engaging with NRW throughout their wild bird review. We have been consistent and clear in our ask for a workable licensing system that is based on evidence and future-proofed against legal challenges.
“We will be scrutinising the consultation closely and will ensure members are kept up to date and informed throughout the consultation process.”
While the review is ongoing, NRW have confirmed that they are continuing to deliver wild bird control licensing. If the control of wild birds needs to be carried out it can be done under one of their existing general licences.
The consultation closes on 11th November. For the latest information visit the general licences Wales webpage on the BASC website.
Notes to Editors:
Consultation on NRW’s approach to regulating the shooting and trapping of wild birds in Wales
