-
In the 33 years since joining the Trust in 1989, Andrew Hoodless has worked on key GWCT research projects which have gone on to influence policy and best practice. The Upland Predation Experiment in Northumberland, work to quantify the effects of gamebird releasing on woodland wildlife and studie...
-
3 Minute Read
The GWCT has observed the trophy hunting debate with interest given its connection with conservation motivations. The call for a ban has largely been led by conservation and animal welfare charities who object to trophy hunting from an ethical, moral and animal welfare perspective....
-
Do you shoot? If so, take our free online test to earn your GWCT Accredited Game Shot certificate.
The test consists of 25 multiple-choice questions and covers topics including:
Lead ammunition
Gamebird releasing
Predation control
Habitat management
Supplementary feeding
Disease and medication
R...
-
The RSPB has called for an immediate moratorium on release of gamebirds in UK countryside
Defra and the game management sector recognise the significant threat posed by highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) to the UK’s precious wild bird populations. There is already a ban on releasing gamebi...
-
4 minute read
Today we sent this letter to Màiri McAllan MSP, newly appointed to the Scottish Government as Minister for Environment, Biodiversity & Land Reform. We have had useful contact over the last two years with the now new Cabinet Secretary with overarching responsibility for Rural Aff...
-
Back in November last year I listened to a very interesting piece broadcast on this subject as part of the BBC World Service’s Crowd Science programme. It referred to Aboriginal cultural practices of using ‘cool burning’ as a means of preventing wildfires i.e. using fire to fight fire. This migh...
-
By Amber Hopgood and Andrew Hoodless
After 35 years of dedicated service with the Trust, Dr Dave Baines left the GWCT last week. Dave is an exceptional fieldworker and has been one of our most productive senior scientists, having been an author on over 110 scientific papers during his career. His...
-
On Monday 9th January 2023 the National Avian Influenza Protection Zones (AIPZ’s) that cover England, Scotland and Wales, were all amended to include new mandatory requirements for those who catch-up gamebirds (pheasants, partridges or ducks). Below is an overview of these new legal obligations a...
-
By Georgia Isted, Merlin Recovery Project Assistant
Grouse moors appear to form important refuges for breeding merlin. However, recent merlin declines have been suggested to be due to intensified cutting and burning of heather to favour grouse, thereby reducing both the availability of tall heath...
-
By Matthew Goodall, GWCT Head of Education
On March 24th the NRW board met and voted in favour of approving several changes to the General Licences (you can read the letter we sent them, outlining our concerns here). The major change will see magpie, jackdaw and jay all removed from GL 004 – ‘Li...
Get the Latest News & Advice
Join over 100,000 subscribers and stay updated on our latest advice, research, news and offers.
*You may change your mind any time. For more information, see our Privacy Policy.