NFU Cymru has welcomed the High Court ruling that Natural Resources Wales’ general licenses to control wild birds are lawful.

The High Court yesterday (January 18) ruled that Natural Resources Wales’ (NRW) general licences to control wild birds are lawful following a legal challenge by campaigning body Wild Justice.

All wild birds are protected by law. However, in certain circumstances, where NRW is satisfied that there is no satisfactory non-lethal solution, lethal control methods can be authorised under licence.

The decision means that the three general licences which were subject to the legal challenge can continue to be used to control certain wild bird species. They are available for the purpose of preventing serious damage or disease to crops or livestock, protecting public health and conserving certain species of wild birds.

NFU Cymru rural affairs board chairman Hedd Pugh said: “NFU Cymru is pleased that the High Court has ruled that the general licences to control wild birds issued by Natural Resources Wales are lawful.

“The NFU legal team intervened in this case as it was concerned about the way in which Wild Justice had interpreted the law relating to the evidence required to enable NRW to issue general licences permitting the lethal control of certain species of wild birds for specific statutory purposes.

“We are pleased that the court took the NFU’s points into consideration, confirming that NRW is entitled to assess the available relevant evidence and reach its own conclusions in relation to the issuing of general licences, provided that the assessment is rational.

“The ability to control wild birds for the protection of livestock and crops in certain circumstances is vital for farmers across Wales.”

Anyone seeking to control the bird species listed in the general licences is required by law to abide by the terms and conditions of the relevant licence(s).

Ceri Davies, NRW’s executive director for evidence, planning and policy said: “We are pleased that the High Court has judged these general licences to be lawful and the judgment confirms the evidence based and proportionate approach taken by NRW.

“We will continue to review, update and assess all our approaches to licensing and want to do this in the most collaborative way possible with all stakeholders.”

The 2021 general licences are on NRW’s website and can be downloaded for use. Anyone who intends to use lethal methods to control birds not covered by a general licence will still need to apply for a specific licence.