Honks › Geese and the law in the UK
Geese and the law in the UK
Wild birds are protected, but the rules differ for each species and each country. This page explains the basics and points you to the official sources. It is general information, not legal advice.
The basic rule
In Great Britain, wild birds, their nests and their eggs are protected by the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. In general it is an offence to kill, injure or take a wild bird, or to damage its nest or take its eggs, except where the law allows. The act has schedules that list species and set out exceptions, and licences allow some actions that would otherwise be illegal. The full text is on legislation.gov.uk.
What Schedule 2 means
The RSPB notes that the greylag goose is listed in Schedule 2 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act, which allows it to be killed or taken outside the close season. Schedule 2 covers species that can be shot as quarry in certain months. That does not mean the birds are unprotected. Shooting is limited to the open season, to permitted methods, and to people with permission to be on the land. Close seasons and rules differ in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Canada geese and general licences
Natural England, which covers England, published a general licence in 2019 allowing people to kill or take Canada geese "to preserve public health and safety". General licences let people do certain things without applying for an individual licence, but they have conditions, and they are updated from time to time. Do not rely on a summary on a website, including this one. If geese are causing a problem, find the current licence on GOV.UK, read its conditions and check the rules in your country.
If geese cause problems
Geese on playing fields, in car parks or on a pond can foul paths and graze crops. Common-sense steps include:
- Do not feed them. Feeding keeps them coming back and makes the mess worse.
- Change the habitat. Longer grass at water edges and low barriers or planting can make a site less attractive.
- Use scaring methods carefully. Some are legal and some are not. Check before you try anything.
- Talk to the landowner or the council. Local authorities often have goose management plans.
- Seek official advice. Natural England, NatureScot, Natural Resources Wales or the relevant agency can tell you what is allowed.
Eggs and nests
Do not disturb a nesting goose. Geese defend their nests, and the nest and eggs are protected. If you find a nest in a place where it is a hazard, ask your local authority or conservation body before doing anything.
Injured geese
If you find an injured wild goose, contact a local wildlife rescue, a vet or the RSPCA. Do not try to treat it yourself, and take care: geese can bite and beat with their wings. Wear gloves and keep your face away from the bill.
Bird flu
Avian influenza has affected wild geese in recent winters. If you find several dead wild birds, do not touch them. Report them through the official government route for your country, and keep dogs away. Check gov.uk for current advice, which can change quickly.
Differences across the UK
| Country | Where to check |
|---|---|
| England | GOV.UK and Natural England |
| Scotland | NatureScot |
| Wales | Natural Resources Wales |
| Northern Ireland | Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs |
Conservation status is separate from the law
A bird can be legally quarry and conservation Amber at the same time. The greylag is on the Amber list and in Schedule 2, and the RSPB gives brent geese an Amber rating and white-fronted geese a Red one. The Amber and Red lists show how much concern there is for a species' numbers. They do not change what the law allows.
This is general information, not legal advice. For help identifying birds, see grey geese ID or Canada, barnacle, brent and Egyptian geese. To watch them legally and kindly, read where to see wild geese.
Frequently asked questions
Are wild geese protected in the UK?
Wild birds are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, with exceptions set out in the act and in licences.
Can I shoot Canada geese?
Only where the law and any licence conditions allow it. Natural England published a general licence in 2019, but conditions change, so check GOV.UK for the current version.
What should I do about geese on my land?
Do not feed them, change the habitat, and get advice from the relevant official body before using any control method.