As you will be aware the situation regarding Avian Influenza is still evolving, and Natural England must be mindful of the impacts to the bird species we licence and any additional, unintended consequences as a result of our licensing decisions. To support this, Natural England will be completing a disease risk assessment to inform our licensing decisions. Therefore, we have taken the decision to delay issuing any further Falconry licence decisions temporarily until we have further information.

This delay will enable us to take further specialist advice to make sure any changes we make are necessary and proportionate. We are working closely with our evidence services colleagues to ensure any licensing changes are evidence led and proportionate.
We will provide you with a further update once we have a clearer understanding of Avian Influenza inpacts and how we will be proceeding. We anticipate the majority of licences will be issued througout September, however, should there be any further delays we will contact you for an additional update.