GWCT News Blog

The plight of waders breeding in the UK is well known. All of our familiar species are in serious decline and we hear frequent warnings about local extinctions for some of them. Well known causes of decline are a loss of quality habitat due to changes in land use and intensified agricultural practices, and we are seeing increased losses of wader nests to a variety of predators.

Environmental organisations are calling for more land designations in their first annual progress report on the Government’s commitment to protect 30% of land and sea by 2030. However, designations in themselves will not achieve what they seek - the restoration of biodiversity. 

We’re encouraged to read that government believes “boosting food production and strengthening resilience and sustainability come alongside, not instead of, protecting and enhancing our natural environment”.

Recent isolated cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in released pheasants highlights the importance of good biosecurity and vigilance amongst all those involved in game management. 

A pioneering trial set up to help rebuild the population of the endangered Hen Harrier in England has reared and released 13 chicks this year.

GWCT chief executive Teresa Dent CBE wrote a letter to Greenpeace’s interim UK Executive Director offering to meet to present scientific evidence in response a to petition calling for a total ban on controlled burning.

Plug “2022 year of..” into your search engine, and you will likely come up with tiger, Chinese zodiac, ox and dog, but I wonder how many readers realise that 2022 is also the year of the gamekeeper? 

The few who perpetrate wildlife crime overshadow the many grouse moor managers who work tirelessly to create habitat where birds of prey can thrive. 

For most lowland shoots, the cost of pheasant and partridge poults is probably the biggest single outlay in the annual budget, so you want to spend your money wisely. Shopping around is clearly sensible but beware of going on price alone.