NatureScot (NS) has reissued its three General Licences for the control of certain wild birds: for the conservation of wild birds (GL01); to prevent serious damage (GL02); and for the preservation of public health, public safety and preventing the spread of disease (GL03). The General Licences are valid for 12 months, from 1 January – 31 December 2026, unless where previously revoked, or on certain designated sites where permission has not been granted.

There is one change to the suite of 2026 General Licences from the 2025 General Licences.  This change applies to an additional method specific to Feral Pigeons when shooting at night under General Licences 02 and 03.

It is essential that the purpose and conditions of use for each licence is complied with before carrying out any lethal control. Full guidance details can be found here and under the Statement of reasons for General Licences. The species of wild bird that can be controlled for the purposes of each licence are shown under the guidance section.

There is evidence that magpie, jackdaw, and jay may have an impact on the breeding success of a variety of avian species. NS are keeping them in the current GL01 licence, and NS are making a commitment to explore the impact of magpie, jackdaw and jay predation further in the General Licence Review planned for 2026.

NS state that there is minimal evidence to suggest Jackdaw, magpie, and rooks may cause serious damage to crops, however NS are satisfied that they should be included on GL02 with a commitment to explore further the impact of these birds in the General Licence Review planned for 2026.

This review will assess each General Licence in detail, including the purposes and species involved, and any changes will be incorporated into the General Licences for 2027. We will ensure our members are kept fully up to date on the outcome of this review.

Anyone intending to use General Licence 01, 02 or 03 on certain Special Protection Areas and Special Areas of Conservation must comply with site based standing conditions, covering disturbance of species and damage to habitats.  If you can meet the standing conditions, then you can proceed with your activities without the need to contact NatureScot.  If you cannot meet the standing conditions set out for the site then you will need to apply for a permission by contacting their Licensing team at licensing@nature.scot