2022

Richard Leach, sales manager at Keepers Choice, looks at why feeding over the winter is more important than ever…

Recent isolated cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in released pheasants highlights the importance of good biosecurity and vigilance amongst all those involved in game management. 

As a research-led organisation with expertise in gamebird management and biodiversity monitoring, the GWCT has previously reviewed the evidence relating to the relationship between pheasant releasing and reptile numbers alongside our wider work on the potential impacts of gamebird releasing on the environment. 

We recently published an updated version of one of our popular 'Green Guides' - Woodlands for Pheasants and Wildlife. Having sold several hundred copies we asked customers for their comments about the book. Here's what they had to say...

The RSPB’s position (‘Calls to ban gamebird release to avoid ‘catastrophic’ avian flu outbreak’, 10.02.2022) is not based on scientific evidence and the tone of Jeff Knott’s comments is alarmist. 

Mark Glover’s view that gamebird releasing causes environmental carnage, “Slaughter of UK’s imported gamebirds carries a heavy price, 22 July”, is not supported by the scientific evidence.

“Pheasants are useless mothers”; how often I have heard those word, but are they true? This view certainly has a long history, and way back in 1895 the Rev H. A. Macpherson said they are “careless, clumsy mothers” in the fur, feather and fin volume on Pheasants.

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.