November

Following the success of the GWCT Game 23 Conference in Shropshire earlier this year, we are delighted to confirm that GWCT’s annual game conference Game 24 which will be held on Tuesday 5th March 2024.

Defra has advised GWCT and other stakeholders that new wild bird control General Licences for England (GL40-42) will come in to force on 1st January 2024. Defra has confirmed that it is not currently planning to make any changes and will replicate the existing GL40-42 conditions in the new licences.

In a recent newsletter, the campaigning group Wild Justice questioned why Defra had sought advice from GWCT in relation to General Licence GL43 - the licensing mechanism for gamebird releasing on or near some protected sites.

Starting 1st November 2023, a new environmental principles duty has taken effect, marking a crucial milestone in embedding environmental considerations into government policy-making.

Defra and the Forestry Commission have announced substantial funding enhancements for two major forestry land management schemes - the England Woodland Creation Offer (EWCO) and Countryside Stewardship (CS).