GWCT News Blog

The UKHSA are inviting members of the gamebird and waterfowl communities to take part in an important citizen science study! By providing small blood samples from deceased gamebirds, waterfowl and other legal quarry, participants will help support the early detection and monitoring of emerging mosquito-borne diseases in the UK. 

GWCT Head of Education Matt Goodall has taken the opportunity to highlight the environmental benefits of sustainable gamebird management during an interview with Channel 4 News looking at Defra’s Call for Evidence consultation on the topic. 

Everywhere I look just lately there is publicity about bird feeding. As we move through autumn and towards winter, the RSPB is encouraging people to think carefully about how, when and why they feed garden birds. Its recent “Feed Seasonally, Feed Safely” campaign highlights concerns about disease transmission at feeding stations, whilst also emphasising the importance of natural food sources and wildlife-friendly gardens. 

Though it feels like no time at all, the shortening days and dropping temperatures signal the end of my first month with the GWCT; I thought this would be the perfect time to reflect on all we’ve been up to.

The GWCT welcomes the EFRA committee’s report on its wildfire risk and response inquiry.  It provides an important reminder of the widespread demands that wildfires place on the Fire Service and volunteer responders.

Within the context of a closed season for hares they say that “Many organisations and individuals already follow voluntary guidance which advises against shooting hare during their breeding season.” Therefore, we question is there a need for further legislation on hares?

The most recent release of Defra’s Wild Bird statistics this week shows that long-term declines in almost all habitats dating back to at least the 1970s continues, with the most significant downward trend impacting farmland birds. However, these generalised declines are not universal, and on farms across the country localised success stories are increasingly common.

With the November 1st deadline for Defra’s Call for Evidence on Gamebird Release, Shooting and Welfare during Rearing in England quickly approaching, we have put together a helpful template to make it as easy as possible for supporters to respond. 

This year, I attended my first partridge count. As a researcher myself, but having since moved into communicating our science, I was hungry for any experience that made me feel like I was out in the field again. 

GWCT director of policy and the Allerton Project research Dr Alastair Leake has received the Farmer’s Weekly Lifetime Achievement Award for his work over 25 years developing practical solutions combining productive farming with improved environmental outcomes and disseminating findings through advisory and educational activities.