GWCT News Blog

Lesley Griffiths’ statement on the recent episode of BBC Countryfile that she would revisit the ban on snares in Wales, if curlew numbers continued to decline, leaves a glimmer of hope for the species. However, the fact remains that in refusing to accept the amendment to the Agriculture Bill, which would have permitted the use of HCRs under licence, the Welsh Government has put the survival of the curlew and other ground nesting species in doubt.

GWCT South East Wales Annual Clay Shoot.

The deadline for consultation responses is Tuesday, 20th June. It is imperative that those involved in game management and shooting, in whatever capacity and in any location in the UK respond to this consultation.

This month the Welsh Government has rejected amendments to the Agriculture (Wales) Bill to allow the licensed use of Humane Cable Restraints (HCRs) to protect breeding curlew. In response, Owen Williams, GWCT Chairman of Trustees, Wales, wrote to the Welsh Environment Minister Lesley Griffiths.

On 16 May, final amendments were considered for the Agriculture (Wales) Bill in the Senedd. This bill outlines the Welsh Government’s proposal to prohibit the use of any snare (including licensed use) or other cable restraint. It is hugely disappointing that an amendment tabled to enable the strict licensing of Humane Cable Restraints (HCRs) for conservation purposes was not accepted.

Organisers of The GWCT Welsh Game Fair have announced that popular Welsh hill farmer Gareth Wyn Jones is set to host a pop-up restaurant at the two-day event and appear in the theatre when it returns to Vaynol Estate in Gwynedd, North Wales on Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 September 2023.

Please join us in Wales for some exciting events throughout May. Feel free to invite your friends, non-members are always more than welcome. Be quick though - places are limited!

Last week Natural Resources Wales, on behalf of Welsh Government, launched a 12-week public consultation on their proposals to license gamebird releasing in Wales. It is absolutely critical that everyone with an interest in shooting in Wales, whether from Wales or not, responds, offering constructive and considered views.

At the beginning of this week Natural Resources Wales, on behalf of Welsh Government, launched their 12-week public consultation on their proposals to license gamebird releasing in Wales. It is absolutely critical that everyone with an interest in shooting in Wales, whether from Wales or not, respond, offering constructive and considered responses. The number and quality of responses will be incredibly important, so please share the links with others and encourage them to respond. 

On Monday 27th March Natural Resources Wales (NRW), on behalf of Welsh Government, launched a 12-week public consultation on their proposals to licence gamebird releasing in Wales. They propose to move pheasant and red-legged partridge onto Schedule 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 which would make it illegal to release these gamebirds except under licence.