Natural England have updated the guidance on A08 licences and the way that applications are made has changed. Natural England will only issue you with an A08 licence if you meet all of the criteria.
For a licence to control wild birds for conservation or health and safety purposes that are no longer covered by a general licence, you need to complete a screening form before you submit an application.
Control wild birds for conservation or health and safety: submit a screening form For a licence to control wild birds for conservation or health and safety purposes that are no longer covered by a general licence, you need to complete a screening form. These birds are:
herring gull
jackdaws
jays
lesser black-backed gull
rooks
other wild birds to conserve green-listed species
Prior to making an application, applicants will need to have their individual circumstances screened via a screening form., The screening form requests information such as; species, number of species on site, location and any evidence the applicant has prior to applying that will support their case to give them the best possible chance to obtain a licence. The application form returned to the applicant for completion, if a screening form response indicates it is ‘possible’ a licence would be granted, is called an A09.
To request a screening form, email: bird.licensing@naturalengland.org.uk
Natural England will reply within 10 working days of receiving your completed screening form. Based on your screening answers, it will tell you whether it is likely to grant you a licence. The response will include a screening reference number.
Full information can be found NATURAL ENGLAND.
Source: Pest Control News