GWCT Head of Education Matt Goodall has taken the opportunity to highlight the environmental benefits of sustainable gamebird management during an interview with Channel 4 News looking at Defra’s Call for Evidence consultation on the topic.
The interview provided an important platform to explain the scientific evidence demonstrating how well-managed shoots can benefit habitats and biodiversity, while addressing some of the more contentious issues surrounding gamebird management.
Drawing on GWCT research, Matt explained that farms and estates managed for game shooting support more wildlife habitat and increased biodiversity than those without shoots, providing valuable food, shelter and breeding opportunities for a wide range of species.
Our studies have shown that:
- Woodlands managed for game can support up to 32% more songbirds.
- Winter bird seed mixes can attract 12 times more birds per hectare than conventional arable fields.
- Shoots can have up to 65% more hedgerows than farms without gamebird releasing.
- One study recorded 2.5 times more breeding birds in hedgerows close to game crops.
When asked how widespread the benefits were, he was able to refer to a survey that showed that 80% of shoots provide cover and the Big Farmland Bird Count revealed farms with shoots had 36% more wild birds.
On the more controversial question of the impact on birds of prey Matt explained that the GWCT condemns any illegal activity impacting raptors, emphasising such incidents only undermine the considerable conservation work undertaken by responsible shoots across the country.
He said: “This is incredibly frustrating for the sector, as it detracts from the good work of many shoots, which are producing positives for biodiversity, and benefit birds of prey too."
Matt also highlighted the importance of considering the wider scientific evidence on birds of prey and game management.
Research has demonstrated that some raptor species can benefit from habitats managed for game shooting, with improved habitat quality, greater prey availability and legal predator management among the potential contributing factors.
Recent preliminary GWCT research, commissioned by BASC and conducted across 18 sites in southern England, has also recorded higher seasonal counts of buzzards and red kites at sites releasing gamebirds compared with non-releasing sites.
Although the study is ongoing and the findings do not establish a causal relationship, they add to the growing body of evidence examining the complex interactions between game management and wildlife.
Looking ahead to the broadcast, Matt reflected: “You never know what will make the final cut of the programme, but I was glad to be given an opportunity to talk about the high-quality research produced by the GWCT, which points to the overwhelmingly positive influence of gamebird releasing on wildlife and the countryside.
"There is a substantial body of evidence demonstrating the positive contribution that sustainable game management can make to habitats and biodiversity. Unfortunately, these benefits are often overlooked in a debate that tends to focus on the negatives, but which should be informed by robust scientific evidence rather than assumptions or generalisations.
“With DEFRA’s Call for Evidence consultation window drawing to a close, getting that message across is more critical than ever. GWCT will be making an extensive submission and I strongly urge shoots to submit their own data via email or online before the deadline this Sunday 1st November.”
How much of Matt's interview will feature in the final news programme, and how the discussion will be presented, remains to be seen.
To find out, tune in to Channel 4 News on Thursday 29 October to see the interview and hear GWCT's contribution to this important debate.