Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs
The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs Helpline offers several key services, including answering general enquiries about their policies and regulations, reporting dead wild birds for disease monitoring, and handling Freedom of Information (FOI) and Environmental Information Regulations (EIR) requests. The helpline operates Monday to Friday, from 08:30 to 17:00. Common reasons for calling include seeking information on environmental policies, reporting wildlife issues, and requesting official documents. Wait times can be long, especially during peak hours or high-demand periods. It is advisable to call early in the day to minimize waiting. For urgent animal disease notifications, contact the Rural Services Helpline instead.
Updated 15 Dec 2025
Expected outcomes
- Answer policy questions
- Report dead wild birds
- Submit FOI requests
- Request EIR information
- Receive procedural guidance
Call preparation
Assemble everything before you dial. These requirements are verified by our call analysts and updated as organizations change their scripts.
- Location of dead birds
- Type of birds
- Number of birds
- Contact details
- Details of information requested
- Account numbers
Known issues
Callers frequently experience long wait times, particularly during peak hours or when there is heightened public concern, such as during disease outbreaks. It is recommended to call early in the day to reduce waiting. Additionally, email responses can be delayed beyond the typical 20 working days due to high volumes. For urgent matters, using the phone is advised over email. While there is no guaranteed resolution for these issues, being prepared with all necessary information can help streamline the process.
