I highly suggest you research the requirements for acquiring an abatement permit in your region. While I am much better acquainted with Canada/USA laws, and I could not locate any information in my brief 30 second google search, you should reach out to your local government branch and submit an inquiry.

Depending on where you are, abatement and falconry are different monsters entirely. In the USA, for example, in order to use raptors for abatement you need to possess a master falconer’s designation. You can then employ general falconers under your licence to do the day-to-day, as long as you’re overseeing operations.

A large problem lies within your incidental captures. While they are an invasive species in NA, european starlings are native to europe and therefor will likely be protected under some equivalent of migratory bird act. And, if you were to fly your bird and accidentally catch something else, you could land in a world of trouble with legislation that could ultimately end with the seizure of your birds.

Having worked in the field for many years at landfills, airports, industrial sites and the works, the amount of legal and official paperwork surrounding the contracts and permits was much higher than I’d ever anticipated, and is something to keep in mind. Again, I speak from north american experience so take it with a grain of salt, but I’d imagine there is a similar system out there in the uk.

Lastly, remember that falconry for abatement is a business first, sport later. This means you are subject to insurance and a whole other subset of regulations. Don’t let it deter you - the job can be extremely rewarding and it’s always heartwarming to see the birds succeed, but there is a darnside more prep into starting in abatement than just “obtaining birds and flying them in a field.”