2022

A poisoned white-tailed eagle found in Dorset is dramatic and regrettable evidence of the need for universally responsible use of rodenticides, states the Campaign for Responsible Rodenticide Use.

As a new study on mountain hares hit the news, we thank GWCT member Matthew Higgs for writing to the Telegraph to share our findings

We are aware of Wild Justice's letter to the Secretary of State about woodcock shooting. The GWCT has undertaken more research into woodcock ecology and conservation than any other organisation in the UK and we will be writing to the Secretary of State with our views on this matter.

On March 24th the NRW board met and voted in favour of approving several changes to the General Licences. The major change will see magpie, jackdaw and jay all removed from GL 004 – ‘Licence to kill or take certain wild birds for the purpose of conserving wild birds’ when the current licence expires after the 30th of June and the new licences are issued on the 1st of July.

Do you shoot? If so, take our free online test to earn your GWCT Accredited Game Shot certificate.

Megan Rowland, a deer manager from the Highlands, was chosen as the overall winner of the INEOS Grenadier Countryside Champion Award 2022, coordinated by GunsOnPegs. 

Have you ever wanted to hear from our research staff in person or ask the burning questions to the experts? Now you can, as our popular series of roadshows is back in April and May.

We have long advocated a nuanced approach to tree planting. In 2020, we published an article which stated that “the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust believes that the ‘right tree in the right place’ approach is vital”. It was hugely encouraging, therefore, to see the government reinforcing this approach.

The UK supports five species of owl and last week, as I heard the distinctive ‘hooo, hu, huhuhuhooo’ of a male tawny owl (Stix aluco) on the site of the GWCT’s headquarters, I wanted to learn more.