Killing or taking birds, or taking or destroying their nests or eggs, for conservation
Licences you need to kill or take birds (or their nests or eggs) to conserve other species.
Check the general licences
We issue general licences to certain people to - for conservation - kill or take carrion crow or ruddy duck, or destroy their nests or eggs.
You do not need to apply for a general licence.
You must read it fully and be able to comply with all of its conditions.
General licence 004: licence to kill or take carrion crow to conserve certain wild birds.
General licence 005: licence to allow the killing, taking or destruction of ruddy duck eggs.
If you cannot comply with the conditions, you must apply for a specific bird licence.
Report to us after using a general licence
If you use general licence 005, you must tell us about your activities.
By 14 January following the year in which you used the licence, you must send us your report of:
- number of birds killed or taken
- number of nests or eggs taken or destroyed
- when you took the action
If you use general licence 004, you do not need to send us a report, but you should keep a record of actions taken under this licence.
How to apply for a licence from us
You must apply for a specific bird licence for your activity if:
- the general licences do not apply to your activity
- you cannot comply with the general licence conditions