A fine old mess
23 April, Natural England announced that it was revoking the three general licences — GL 04, 05 and 06. These were licences that farmers, conservationists, shoot managers and others in England — but not Scotland or Wales — relied on to control 16 bird species to protect crops, livestock, wildlife and public health. The revocation came into effect at 11.59pm on 25 April, barely two days after it was made public. The announcement came without any consultation or warning whatsoever and just five weeks after the shooting, conservation and farming community had been assured there was no intention
