Sudden change in pest control licences won’t apply in Scotland
Scottish farmers and growers have been promised they will be spared a sudden ban on their right to control pest species such as jackdaws, crows, rooks and pigeons which can damage crops and attack livestock.
Following the surprise revocation of the general licence to control such species in England –making it illegal to kill birds damaging crops or harming livestock without first gaining a special licence – Scottish Natural Heritage yesterday said the law was different north of the Border and the general licence which allowed control continued as before. However, a spokesperson for the environmental body said it would be following the case which was being raised in England carefully to see if there were any implications for Scotland.
They said: “If any changes are required, we would seek to ensure a period of consultation with everyone involved and allow sufficient time for any adjustments to take place.”
The NFU in England struck out at the move taken by English Nature which gave only 36 hours notice of the changes to the general licence following a legal challenge by a group headed by TV presenter Chris Packham.
NFU deputy president
Guy Smith said bird control was “absolutely necessary” at this time of year when crops were particularly vulnerable to pests and new-born lambs which – along with many wild bird chicks – needed protecting from crows.
Tim Bonner, chief executive of the Countryside Alliance, said the change was a recipe for disaster, adding: “The decision to bring in a new set of licences without consulting stakeholders … is even more bizarre.”