02 March 2021

Shotgun users urged to share their views on the alternatives to lead

Shooting Pictures 144A year on from a joint statement about moving away from using lead in shotguns to shoot game, the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) is keen to know if your habits have changed and whether you had tested the alternatives.

The GWCT has launched a short, anonymous survey at www.gwct.org.uk/leadsurvey asking your experience with using alternatives or any barriers you have found to using non-lead ammunition.

More than 1,000 people have already completed the survey and James Swyer of the GWCT is hoping many more gun users will share their views. He said: “We are keen to understand the intentions of those whose have the real power to make change – those buying the ammunition. By taking less than a minute to answer a simple question, you will be helping to inform this hotly debated topic.”

A report published last week found that 179 of 180 pheasants tested had been killed using lead ammunition. Authors of the report highlighted the work of the GWCT and other organisations in raising awareness, including a poll in which the majority (53%) of those polled said it was time to move away from lead shot. This new survey will give a vital update into people’s intentions.

If you would like to read more on the topic, you can visit the GWCT lead ammunition hub at www.gwct.org.uk/lead. The hub includes a Q&A guide about moving away from lead shot, advice from the Gun Trade Association on the use of lead-alternative ammunition for live quarry shooting with shotguns, and all GWCT blogs on the issue.

Take our lead survey >


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