The outcomes of the consultation on Scottish Natural Heritage’s General Licences for 2013 have now been drafted, with SNH due to publish the complete document later this month.
The General Licences will come into effect on 1st January 2013. The purpose of Licences 1-4 are, as follows:
• General licence 1: to conserve wild birds.
• General licence 2: to prevent serious damage to livestock, foodstuffs for livestock, crops, vegetables and fruit.
• General licence 3: to protect public health, public safety and prevent the spread of disease.
• General licence 4: to protect air safety.
Included in the key points from the consultation on 2013 General Licences:
• There will be a new clear format
• There will be a new General Licence created to permit the catching-up of red grouse using nets or lamps to allow the administration of medicine
• Traps permitted under General Licence 1-4 will be clarified including authorization to use clam type traps and ‘by hand’ will be added as a method of killing or taking birds which can be legally killed under General Licences 1-4.
• The definition of an authorized person will be simplified and made consistent.