Blogs

Radio-tagging and wing-tagging birds has been carried out by the GWCT for research purposes for many years. During the 60s and 70s, a National Game-Marking Scheme was set up by the GWCT to gain an understanding on how the release dates and ages of pheasants effected the overall percentage return.

The government has used the publication of the latest iteration of the Land Use Framework report to announce it is exploring “wider measures such as licensing and any associated conditions for recreational gamebird shooting and release”.

GWCT urges all those involved in shooting, especially those responsible for managing gamebirds and shoot owners, to be vigilant of avian influenza and any control zones implemented in their area. 

The GWCT has run a game shoot at Loddington since 1993, utilising the skills of a gamekeeper to carry out supplementary feeding, habitat management and predation control. The ability to carry out these tasks has enabled us to build on our research of songbird and brown hare populations, focusing on how game management techniques can influence the breeding success of these species.

Defra informed stakeholders on 21^st March that GL43 will be published in the next couple of weeks. However, GL45 will not be released this year, meaning that individual licences must be sought for those wanting to release gamebirds on SPAs.

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.