June

General licence GL43, which permits the release of pheasants and red-legged partridges on and within 500m of the boundary of European protected sites in England has been granted for another 12 months until 30th May 2023.

The GWCT has undertaken a significant body of research into ecological impacts of gamebird releasing and management. Our research highlights that there is an approximate balance of positive and negative impacts.

Our research group at the GWCT is attempting to answer the question “Do sites that release gamebirds have more fox activity than non-release sites?” by collecting and analysing fox scats. 28 February 2022 saw our first day of fieldwork in a programme lasting until next spring.

An appraisal of: Harris (2021) A review of the animal welfare, public health, and environmental, ecological and conservation implications of rearing, releasing and shooting non-native gamebirds in Britain. Report to the Labour Animal Welfare Society.