Update on General Licences in England

Interim Measures

Whilst the General Licences have been revoked, it is possible to apply for individual licences to remove birds which are causing issues with public health and safety. The procedure for our customers is as follows:

1. Contact Check Services Ltd to let us know you have a bird/birds in your building.
2. Download the Licence application form (see bottom of page). Note that the .pdf can only be opened with the most up to date versions of Adobe Reader and a number of customers are having problems with this – in this situation download the Word version.
3. The form must then be completed, confirming location, bird species and what non-lethal methods of control have taken place or need to take place prior to any lethal control methods.
4. The completed application must then be emailed to birds2019@naturalengland.org.uk copying in lewis@checkservices.co.uk
5. You will receive an auto receipt confirming that Natural England has received your application.
6. Attempts to remove the bird(s) using non-lethal methods must be carried out by our customers prior to the application being submitted. Note that there is a significant backlog with Natural England so it is unlikely that you will get a quick response. Due to this backlog it may be necessary to carry out lethal control prior to the licence being granted by NE. However, this can only be done if all other non-lethal methods to remove the bird have been carried out and all the criteria laid out in the application form have been met.
7. On completion of the work, Natural England must be notified via birds2019@naturalengland.org.uk copying in lewis@checkservices.co.uk confirming the outcome.