Proposed amendments to Schedule 2.1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act

Defra has launched a consultation on its proposals to amend the list of birds that can be legally shot outside of a closed season. The proposals include extending the closed season for woodcock and snipe in England and Scotland and removing snipe from the quarry list in Wales.

In a statement published in the Daily Telegraph, GWCT’s Director of Research Dr Andrew Hoodless said: “As the UK’s leading wildlife research charity with expertise and an extensive record of research on the wader species referred to in the proposed changes to Schedule 2.1, we look forward to submitting evidence to the consultation. Game management can be an important driver for privately funded conservation of red-listed species, so any changes in regulation should be based on scientific evidence or risk being counterproductive and causing further declines. At the same time, the shooting community recognises the need to protect wild bird populations and already practises voluntary restraint in order to avoid negative impacts on resident populations.”

The consultation will close on 17 May 2026. GWCT urges members and supporters to submit responses. We will publish our recommendations in due course, which may be of help as a guide.

Please see summary of the proposals in the table below. For details including changes to seasons, visit here.