19/5/2023

Call for Defra to reverse plans for sudden change in licensing regime for gamebird releasing on and near SPAs in England

GWCT, like other rural conservation organisations has called for an urgent response from Defra over its proposal to make a major change to GL43 – the interim general licence which covers gamebird release on or within 500m of European Protected Sites in England.

GWCT has been informed that a significant change to the licence by Defra will come into effect on 31 May 2023, meaning that from that date, releasing on or within 500m of Special Protection Areas (SPAs) will no longer be permitted under the general licence in England, due to a risk of released birds spreading avian influenza to wild birds.

As it stands, the proposals mean that those wishing to release on or within 500m of an SPA after 30 May 2023 will need to apply for an individual licence from Natural England or move their release activities away from the 500m buffer zone limit.

Releases on or within 500m of a special area of conservation (SAC), will remain subject to the requirements of the new general licence or an individual licence. Gamebird release outside of these areas is not subject to this interim licensing regime and is not affected.

Dr Roger Draycott, Director of Advisory commented ‘Given the current lower levels of HPAI and the absence of any scientific evidence of gamebird releasing and management being confirmed as contributing to the transmission of HPAI to wild birds, the decision to make the changes at this late stage is difficult to comprehend. As well as causing significant disruption to game management activity, there would be an adverse impact on wildlife conservation as the knock on benefits to biodiversity that well run shoots deliver, would cease. We have urged Defra to review and reverse its decision to make these changes and to communicate effectively with the sector so game managers know where they stand’.

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