Bird control law

All wild birds are protected

Under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 it is an offence to intentionally kill, injure or take a wild bird, or to take, damage or destroy its nest while it is in use or being built, or to take or destroy its eggs. That includes pigeons and gulls.

General licences

Natural England issues general licences that allow some species to be controlled for set reasons, such as preserving public health or public safety, without applying individually. Each licence lists the species, the reasons and the conditions, including trying non-lethal methods first. If you rely on one, you must meet its conditions and be able to show why.

Gulls

Herring gulls are not covered by general licences in England. Removing their nests or eggs usually needs an individual licence from Natural England, and you will need to show that non-lethal methods have been tried. Check the current position for lesser black-backed gulls before any work on nests or eggs.

The nesting season

Most birds nest between about March and August, and gulls roughly from April to August. Once a nest is active, what you can do is limited. That is why we plan deterrence and proofing for the autumn and winter.

Falconry as a deterrent

Flying a trained hawk to deter birds is a non-lethal method. It still has to be done within the law: we do not use it to flush birds off active nests, and we take care around specially protected species. The welfare of our own birds is covered by the Animal Welfare Act 2006.

Who is responsible

The site owner or occupier is usually the person who needs any licence. We will tell you if we think one is needed, help you with the evidence, and work within the terms of any licence you hold.

Where to check

• Natural England wildlife licensing pages on GOV.UK, for general and individual licences.
• The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 on legislation.gov.uk.
• Your local authority environmental health team, for public health concerns.