January

Speaking at this year’s Oxford Farming Conference, NFU President Minette Batters hailed the positive impact of Britain’s farmers, describing them as working conservationists and urging politicians to remember the people who lay at the heart of a better future.

This spring, GWCT researchers will be starting a new research project looking into one of the most contentious issues around the release of gamebirds in the UK: the idea that gamebird releasing may attract foxes and other generalist predators into an area.

The government’s ambitious plans for landscape recovery are to be welcomed, but we mustn’t forget the role of people in this.

Earlier this week, Defra gave its response to a petition launched last year arguing that ‘only a proper ban’ will ensure the future of woodcock.

Defra has published updated General Licences for wild bird control in England effective from 1st January 2022 until 31st December 2023.