IFA Countryside is encouraging all members to complete and submit their 2025 Wild Bird Declaration returns to the National Parks & Wildlife Service (NPWS) by 31 January 2026.
At the start of 2024, the NPWS introduced a system for the voluntary reporting of activities carried out under the General Wild Bird Declaration—a derogation under the EU Birds Directive. This reporting process remains in place for 2025, and IFA Countryside is reminding members of the importance of taking part.
Under EU law, Ireland is required to collect data on the harvesting of bird species undertaken under a derogation. To fulfil this obligation, the NPWS asks that any individual carrying out an activity under the Declaration completes an annual return, providing details of the bird species and numbers affected.
Members can complete the returns form electronically and email it to [email protected], or they can print and post the form to the address provided within the document itself.
For members’ convenience, a copy of the 2025 Wild Bird Declaration returns form can be found here.
IFA Countryside encourages every member to participate in this important data collection effort, helping to ensure Ireland continues to meet its EU environmental reporting commitments.
ENDS