Announcement of review of RSPB policy on gamebird shooting

Written by: Martin Harper
Published: 26 Oct 2019
Topic: RSPB policy on gamebird shooting

Kevin Cox said: “There is growing concern about the environmental impact (including for carbon, water and biodiversity) of intensive forms of game bird shooting and associated land management practices. This includes both driven grouse moor management (which involves shooting our native Red Grouse) and largescale release of non-native game birds, primarily Pheasants and Red-legged Partridges, now in excess of 40 million birds annually."

He continued by expressing concern for:

• The ongoing and systematic illegal persecution of birds of prey such as Hen Harriers on some sporting estates.
• The ecological impact of high numbers of game birds being released into the countryside increasing the density of generalist predators
• The mass culling of Mountain Hares in some parts of our uplands
• The use of lead ammunition
• The impact of burning peatlands and
• Medicating wild animals for sport shooting.

Kevin reported that the RSPB’s Council had agreed to review the RSPB's policy on game bird shooting and associated land management. This decision was made in response to the evidence about the scale of the environmental impact and growing public concern, including from RSPB members.

Kevin said: "This is an emotive and sometimes controversial subject but we want to use our scientific rigour to develop a set of conservation tests for management practices associated with game bird shooting. We will use these to guide the RSPB’s conservation policy, practice and communications, consistent with the ongoing climate and ecological emergency, respectful of our charitable objectives and maintaining the confidence and support of our members."

The RSPB intends to consult with members and other stakeholders, many of whom we have engaged with on these issues for decades.

The review is planned to be completed as soon as is practically possible but in order to engage people in the right way and ensure we have the best available evidence it might take until the next AGM.

Kevin stated that to avoid doubt, in the review period the RSPB will continue to call for the licensing of driven grouse shooting to be introduced.