GWCT News Blog

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.

The subject of predator control can be charged with emotion and often misguided opinion. This has put ever greater scrutiny on practitioners; there is no place for poor practice. The game sector prides itself in being able to demonstrate best practice to ensure that predator control remains a legitimate conservation tool. There are sector-led codes of practice in place and the GWCT is recognised for up-to-date training on all aspects of humane predator control.

Many a new pen will be going up over the next couple of months, so now is a good time to think about what makes a great place to release your pheasants. It is one of the biggest investments on many shoots, and getting it right is key to success.

Our team of expert advisors are running several courses designed to promote best practice among those who manage the countryside. Places are very limited on each so book now to avoid disappointment.

Here is a crucial point to understand; whatever the predator, how many you nail is not the measure of success. The key question is how much predation are you stopping?

Watch GWCT advisor Jess Brooks and her family describe their experiences of the Sustainable Farming Incentive on their Isle of Wight farm.

Read our letter to the Secretary of State regarding the shooting of woodcock, written in response to the letter sent by Wild Justice.

A poisoned white-tailed eagle found in Dorset is dramatic and regrettable evidence of the need for universally responsible use of rodenticides, states the Campaign for Responsible Rodenticide Use.

On March 24th the NRW board met and voted in favour of approving several changes to the General Licences. The major change will see magpie, jackdaw and jay all removed from GL 004 – ‘Licence to kill or take certain wild birds for the purpose of conserving wild birds’ when the current licence expires after the 30th of June and the new licences are issued on the 1st of July.