Policy reports
These reports aim to inform on the conservation issues that surround the management of game. They aim to present evidence that is fair, is based on research, and is written in plain language.
Waders on the Fringe
A report on our nine year upland predation experiment in Northumberland which looks at the effect of predator control on upland waders. We show that reducing numbers of carrion crows and foxes signifcantly improves the breeding success of lapwing, curlew, and golden plover. Populations of these waders tended to decline where there was no predator control. The report highlights the importance of grouse moors for conserving waders in the uplands and suggests that controlling of common predators like foxes and carrion crows might be necessary to protect ground nesting waders elsewhere.
Click to view a PDF of Waders on the Fringe.
Restoring the Balance
A discussion brief on how we might improve biodiversity in England. We suggest revising wildlife legislation to make it more flexible and focussed on conservation rather than on protection. We suggest clarifying the objectives of Natural England so that it has to cherish renewable land-use and deal with some of the wildlife management problems it faces. We suggest too that, in addition to paying farmers for conservating habitats, we whould also reward them for conservation success.
Click to view a PDF of Restoring the Balance
Singing Fields
This short, ten page report reviews the evidence that managing land for gamebirds improves the prospects for other bird species. It draws on recent surveys and especially on the experience of our Leciestershire farm where we have been managing gamebirds since 1992.
Click to view a PDF of Singing Fields
Natures Gain
Is game conservation part of nature conservation or are they opposing philosophies? This report argues that although there have been, and still are, some conflicts, on balance, nature conservation has benefited hugely from game management.
Click to view a PDF of Natures Gain
Click to review a PDFof a Natures Gain Summary
Hen Harriers and the Joint Raptor Study
This four-page leaflet is the outcome of a meeting between senior Game Conservancy and RSPB staff in October 2002 to discuss the results of the Joint Raptor Study, which investigated the interactions between red grouse and hen harriers at Langholm from 1992 to 1996. The leaflet identifies issues on which both organisations agree and those on which, at that time, there was a need for further information before conclusions could be reached.
Click to view a PDF of Hen harriers and the Joint Raptor Study
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