GWCT News Blog

What makes the perfect pheasant release pen? Here are some key considerations and tips for building an ideal environment for your birds.

In response to the conclusion of the legal challenge brought by Wild Justice against Defra regarding the issuing of licences for gamebird releases in the Deben Estuary and Breckland in 2023, The Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust has issued the following statement.

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.

You might have seen George Monbiot’s article in the Guardian on 6 October, criticising pheasant shooting. We responded to the Guardian the next working day but wanted to give them time to print the letter before sharing it with you. As it remains unprinted, please find the letter here.

Today NRW announced that it will not be continuing with its proposals to license gamebird release next year for the 2024/25 season. 

The deadline for consultation responses is Tuesday, 20th June. It is imperative that those involved in game management and shooting, in whatever capacity and in any location in the UK respond to this consultation.

Aim to Sustain including GWCT as scientific advisors to the partnership, has written to the Secretary of State Thérèse Coffey calling for an urgent review of GL43, the gamebird releasing General Licence for protected sites and their buffers.

Further to yesterday’s blog, Defra has now published GL43, the general licence that permits the release of gamebirds on or within a 500m buffer zone of certain protected sites in England.

Last week Natural Resources Wales, on behalf of Welsh Government, launched a 12-week public consultation on their proposals to license gamebird releasing in Wales. It is absolutely critical that everyone with an interest in shooting in Wales, whether from Wales or not, responds, offering constructive and considered views.

Rufus Sage explains the increased interest in gamebird releasing from ecologists and highlights new research