Stoats: licence to trap them to conserve wild birds (GL38)

You can use this general licence if you’re a landowner, occupier or authorised person.

Use this licence to conserve the following wild birds which are vulnerable to predation by stoats:

• game birds in situations when they’re vulnerable to stoat predation
• native species of waders
• other native ground nesting birds

This licence allows you to trap stoats using traps certified for use against stoat in England.

You do not need to apply for this general licence but you must comply with its terms and conditions.

When you must apply for an individual licence

You must apply to Natural England for an individual licence if you need to carry out activities that are not permitted by this licence.

Humane trapping guidance

Badgers, beavers, otters, pine martens and stoats: how to trap humanely.

Avian influenza

Avian influenza (bird flu) is a notifiable animal disease. You should use the online service to report dead wild birds if you find:

• 1 or more dead birds of prey (such as an owl, hawk or buzzard)
• 3 or more dead birds that include at least 1 gull, swan, goose or duck
• 5 or more dead wild birds of any species