NatureScot has launched a public consultation as part of its review of Scotland’s general licences for the control of pest birds and other wildlife management activities.
The first phase of the review runs until 31 August and seeks views on 16 proposed general licences for 2027, alongside a wider survey covering the future operation of the licensing system.
Respondents are being encouraged to complete the individual surveys for any general licences they rely on for wildlife management. Each survey asks whether users agree with the proposed licence, the species listed, the permitted methods and the general terms and conditions.
For some licences, NatureScot is also inviting views on whether additional species should be included.
A separate general survey asks respondents which licences they have used, whether the current approach works effectively and whether they support the principle of general licensing.
It also seeks views on whether all general licences should include a requirement to submit annual returns and whether new licences should be considered for other purposes, species or legislation.
BASC has confirmed that it supports the continuation of the general licensing system in Scotland. The organisation noted that there are no proposed changes to the species listed under the 2027 licences.
However, BASC said it intends to make detailed recommendations, including the addition of species and clearer licence terms and conditions.
The association also said it does not support mandatory reporting as a blanket condition of general licences, arguing that this would create additional administrative burdens without necessarily generating reliable or meaningful data.
BASC said it would set out its reasoning in full as part of its formal response to the consultation.
NatureScot’s consultation, including links to all 16 individual licence surveys and the general survey, is available at generallicensingreview.commonplace.is. Responses must be submitted by 31 August.