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New research methods will help us overcome soil deficit: Our letter to the Farmers Guardian

SAMARCH: GWCT to lead on major new research into declining salmon and sea trout populations in the Channel area

Wild salmon are in crisis, but there is hope!

More than 250 people from across the northern hemisphere gathered in London recently to call for urgent action to conserve, protect and restore the world’s wild salmon. Speakers from across the world delivered fascinating and insightful talks on a wide range of issues affecting both wild Atlanti...

Highlight the benefits of your shoot with a Shoot Biodiversity Assessment

By Alex Keeble, Game & Wildlife Advisor The GWCT has demonstrated through many years of research that good game management can lead to significant benefits to wildlife. Woodlands managed for pheasants tend to support more songbirds and butterflies than non-shooting woods; this is because game...

#KeepItClean: Hinkley Point C and the Acoustic Fish Deterrent

Summary: The Hinkley Point C nuclear power plant in Somerset faces environmental scrutiny as EDF Energy contests the installation of an Acoustic Fish Deterrent (AFD), a measure designed to protect local fish populations. A coalition has presented a scientifically backed report affirming the neces...

Avian influenza risk levels increased as first case confirmed in poultry in England

All bird keepers are being urged to take action to protect their birds and remain vigilant and report signs of disease following an increase in risk levels and the first confirmed case in poultry this winter. Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N5 has been confirmed in commercial poultry a...

GWCT Upland Game Conference 2025

The Upland Game Conference, formerly known as the North of England Grouse Seminar, has revamped for 2025 to offer something for landowners, land managers, gamekeepers, and conservationists alike. We have expanded our range of talks to include updates on research and policy, and practical advice ...

An uncertain future for farmers in Wales

By Sue Evans, GWCT Cymru Policy Director As I start my new role as Policy Director Wales, it’s hard to think of good news stories within the Welsh farming sector right now – two cases of avian influenza have been confirmed, bluetongue threatens, and the inheritance tax on farms is at the forefron...

BBC looks into the decline in red grouse in Scotland

The decline in breeding pairs of red grouse in Scotland was highlighted on both TV and radio by the BBC this week. The GWCT’s 2025 spring count, which is part of our nationwide monitoring programme at 35 sites in the Angus, Borders, Dee/Donside, Highlands, Moray & Nairn, and Perthshire, showe...

New survey to investigate the possible impact of gamebird releasing on local reptile populations

By Dr Rufus Sage, Head of Lowland Game Research The GWCT Research department recognises the potential for local populations of certain UK reptile species to be affected by released pheasants and partridges. While there is currently little solid evidence of an effect, it is very plausible that phe...