2021

The original blog we wrote has, not surprisingly, generated some comment, particularly with respect to the suggestion of a derogation on its use on kale in wild bird cover.

Defra has a free online mapping tool called Magic. It looks a little intimidating to begin with because it can display a huge amount of different information, but don’t let that put you off. You will have your answer in minutes if you follow these simple steps...

Protecting an area for a species works in theory, however, that does not mean they will go there!

Two years after the General Licence fiasco, Defra has announced here that it has taken control of heather burning too – another complex issue that some have repeatedly oversimplified. The RSPB, which has championed extensive restrictions, has been clear that the announcement is “not what was promised”.

The Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) cannot support the banning of all managed winter burning on all deep peat, and we are disappointed that sweeping regulation rather than site specific collaboration is seen as the way forward.

Following the recent reintroduction of White-tailed eagles to the Isle of Wight in southern England, proposals are now being made for a second re-introduction of eagles to East Anglia. 

This week we submitted our response to the Natural Resources Wales (NRW) call for evidence on the future of regulating the shooting and trapping of wild birds. We are hugely grateful to the 307 people who responded and enabled us to provide your perspective and experience in controlling species under licence.

The Chief Veterinary Officer for Wales has confirmed an outbreak of H5N8 Bird Flu (pathogenicity to be confirmed) on a gamebird establishment near Amlwch, Anglesey. 

This week, data from the Census cropped up on Radio 4’s popular panel show The Unbelievable Truth to corroborate a claim made by British ‘specialist’ retailer Ann Summers.