RSPCA 2025 NATURAL DAYLIGHT STANDARD: WORKED EXAMPLES

BFREPA have worked hard on your behalf on the original 2023 standards, published in November 2023, and together with other industry trade associations and representatives, we have achieved a number of key concessions such as: 
  

  • no retrofit of windows where there have been no structural changes to a shed, 
  • allowing natural daylight through the pop holes to count toward the 3.0% daylight standard and 
  • no verandas – verandas were included in the original 2023 standards.

 
To help our members to understand these concessions and the new RSPCA 2025 standard, published by the RSPCA on 11th April, please see below a link to a booklet that we have produced. The booklet does not endorse the new standards – it simply explains what the new standards mean for a range of scenarios. Both the RSPCA and RSPCA Assured have confirmed that the scenarios in the booklet are a correct interpretation of the 2025 standard.
 
The booklet, which will also be printed in the next edition of the Ranger magazine, focusses on the natural daylight standard as this is the standard that we have received most member queries on and where there seems to be some uncertainty. 
 
The key points are:

  • For existing sheds, if no changes are made to the shed, then producers have until 1 January 2035 to achieve the 3.0% natural daylight standard and this can be achieved through pop holes or other methods – windows do not have to be fitted (please see scenario booklet). 

 Windows only need to be fitted if: 

  1. a shed undergoes a structural refurbishment i.e the outside of the shed is changed (please see the booklet for examples) or 
  2. for new builds where a planning application has been submitted on or after 1 October 2025. 
  • In addition, RSPCA Assured have confirmed that “if the 3.0% minimum natural daylight standard cannot be reasonably and realistically achieved through refurbishment by 1st January 2035, a five year derogation will be open to applicants from mid 2034.” 

Another area where we have received a number of questions from members is the 20% natural cover on the range. We will produce a set of scenarios for this particular standard in the coming weeks. This standard commences 1 May 2027 i.e in two years time.
 
Over the coming weeks we will regularly update the booklet with further scenarios and supporting material so please do keep an eye out for these changes.
 
 Whilst writing, the BFREPA Board met on Friday afternoon to discuss the current situation and the feedback from members. Kelly Grellier, RSPCA Assured, who was invited to join for part of the meeting, confirmed that the RSPCA Assured fully support our scenario booklet and will be putting a live link on their website to it when it is published as well as sharing it with their auditing team as part of their training in the new standards. 
 
One of the key concerns discussed, based on member feedback, was the open pop holes during a Housing Order and if this can be implemented without causing welfare issues. BFREPA Directors called for a delay in implementing the standard for a couple of years until proper trials have been carried out on the impact on bird welfare - this request is currently being looked at internally by the RSPCA. It was agreed that a follow up meeting with Kelly Grellier would be organised in the coming weeks. 
 
In terms of next steps, it was agreed to publish the scenario booklet and to follow up with a survey in a few weeks to better understand which scenario our members fit into. Once the survey responses have been collated the Board will meet to consider the best way to focus our resources, efforts and member support as well as agreeing the next steps going forward. It was recognised that there are calls from some members for a vote however it was felt that members required information on the new standards, hence the booklet and further information in due course, before this can be considered further.
 
Finally, we are very aware of the RSPCA's stated ambition to lobby for a significant reduction in egg consumption. We are extremely concerned by this statement and will be discussing the matter at our June Board meeting where we will be joined by the new BEIC CEO, Nick Allen.
 
The BFREPA Board and team will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that your interests and concerns are at the front and centre of our ongoing discussions and engagement with the RSPCA Assured.
 
With kind regards and best wishes.
 
James Baxter
BFREPA Chairman

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