A 12-week consultation about general licences will take place later this year, according to Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH).

The licence allows users to control wild birds and/or destroy their nests, for reasons such as preventing serious damage to crops, protecting public health and guarding air safety when flocks of birds are liable to get in flight paths.

“In light of the complicated situation in England with general licences right now, we have decided to bring forward our consultation, which had been scheduled for 2020,” said Robbie Kernahan, SNH head of national operations.

“Our general licences cover relatively common situations – such as preventing agricultural damage and protecting public health and safety, when there’s unlikely to be any conservation impact on a species. They avoid the need for people to apply for individual licences for these specific situations. As with any licence, we need to ensure that general licences strike the appropriate balance between species conservation and a range of other legitimate interests.

“We would like to reassure those who are currently operating under general licences in Scotland that these remain in place, allowing those who comply with the conditions to continue to use them.”

Chair of NFU Scotland’s environment and land use committee, Angus MacFadyen, said: “We welcome the reassurances from SNH that for those who are currently making use of general licences in Scotland that these remain in place, allowing those who comply with the conditions to continue to use them.

“NFU Scotland believes it is vital that these licences are retained in the future, to allow an ongoing, pragmatic approach that helps farming and crofting to thrive alongside wildlife.”