A NEW pheasant badge is GWCT’s latest initiative in promoting best practice in game management.
Proceeds from the new pheasant pin pewter badge will support the Trust’s aims in driving standards on the ground and allowing good game management to thrive.
The badge costs £9.99, with £5 from each sale supporting our national information programme, aimed at educating those new to the sport about the important role shooting plays in conservation.
Despite its introduced status, the conservation of the pheasant is important because of its long history of naturalisation and importance as a symbol of our traditional countryside.
As much as 14% of the total UK woodland area is managed for pheasant shooting and, when done well, this management can have a positive impact on the woodland and farmland nearby. GWCT research has shown between 22 and 32% more songbirds in woods managed for pheasants, and increased number of flowering shrubs and twice as many butterflies.
The increase in pheasant rearing and releasing has, however, raised issues about the potential negative impacts when management is poor. The Trust continues to research these issues and provide recommendations for sustainable releasing and the management of habitats to benefit wildlife.
Head of advisory services Roger Draycott said: “We need to get more people engaged and understanding what constitutes good game management, how to spot it and what benefits it can bring to Britain’s countryside. Hopefully by wearing this badge, people will not only be supporting the work that informs a wider audience, they will also strike up a conversation about the facts behind game management and how when done well it is a force for good in the countryside.”
To buy the badge, visit https://www.gwctshop.org.uk/4037---gwct-pheasant-badge-517-p.asp
Notes to editors
The Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust – providing research-led conservation for a thriving countryside. The GWCT is an independent wildlife conservation charity which has carried out scientific research into Britain’s game and wildlife since the 1930s. We advise farmers and landowners on improving wildlife habitats. We employ 22 post-doctoral scientists and 50 other research staff with expertise in areas such as birds, insects, mammals, farming, fish and statistics. We undertake our own research as well as projects funded by contract and grant-aid from Government and private bodies. The Trust is also responsible for a number of Government Biodiversity Action Plan species and is lead partner for grey partridge and joint lead partner for brown hare and black grouse.
For information, contact:
Eleanor Williams
Telephone: 07592 025476
Email: press@gwct.org.uk