general licences – Natural England

Why wildlife licensing matters

Mike Smith – Deputy Director, Wildlife Licensing and Reform, 14 April 2026 - Growth, Licensing, Natural England, Nature

At Natural England we help balance economic growth with nature protection. Wildlife licensing is a vital tool to enable this. Our licences are broad ranging and allow development and other activities to proceed, while safeguarding protected species and their habitats. Every …

General licences: 14 June update

Marian Spain, 14 June 2019 - Biodiversity, Wildlife

Natural England's interim chief executive Marian Spain gives a further update on general licences, as Defra issues three new licences

General licences: Tuesday 21 May update

Marian Spain, 21 May 2019 - Biodiversity, Farming, Wildlife

Following Natural England's evidence session with the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs select committee, interim chief executive Marian Spain offers a further update on general licences.