Outcome of the RSPB’s review of gamebird shooting and associated land management

Written by: Martin Harper
Published: 10 Oct 2020
Topic: RSPB’s review of gamebird shooting outcome

Kevin Cox stated that as part of the RSPB's conservation strategy, the organisation seeks to improve many types of land and marine management, particularly those with a significant impact on biodiversity such as agriculture, forestry, fisheries, built infrastructure and minerals extraction.

He confirmed that the RSPB has been looking specifically at the environmental impacts of two very specific land-uses: driven grouse shooting and the release of millions of non-native Pheasants and Red-legged Partridges, as well as the land management associated with the two activities. Kevin stressed that the review was not about the ethics of shooting, on which the RSPB remains neutral, but about the environmental impact of the most intensive forms of gamebird shooting.

The RSPB policy update is in the context of increasing intensification of both types of shooting and in response to requests from members.

Kevin reported that the policy update will guide the RSPB’s future advocacy and communications and is consistent with the action needed to address the climate and ecological emergency. It respects the RSPB's charitable objectives as a nature conservation organisation which seeks to keep common species common and prevent threatened species from becoming extinct. The revised policies are also intended to maintain the confidence and support of RSPB members.

The review took time and involved many strands of work.

Extensive reviews were carried out of the available scientific literature on the effects of driven grouse shooting and high-density gamebird releases.

Consultations were carried out with supporters, staff and volunteers as well as organisations and individuals with an interest and expertise in the subject. Their views were then taken into account. Seven conservation principles have been adopted to guide the RSPB's thinking on how to improve the environmental performance of gamebird shooting and its associated land management.

It was noted that many gamebird shoots already respect some of the principles that the RSPB has developed. Land well managed for shooting can have considerable wildlife benefits, for example by providing habitat that can benefit species other than gamebirds. The RSPB has common ground with many who run these shoots and works with them together in partnership projects to improve the conservation prospects of threatened species and habitats. It is intended and hoped that these collaborations will continue.

However, in some places there has been a trend towards intensification of land management coupled with ever-increasing numbers of birds being released and, in the case of grouse, shot. This is to the detriment of the environment and includes the ongoing and systematic illegal persecution of birds of prey; the continuing use of lead ammunition; the ecological impact of high numbers of gamebirds released into the countryside; and the burning of vegetation on peatlands.

The evidence suggests that self-regulation by the shooting community has failed to adequately address the environmental impacts and therefore the RSPB is calling on governments to intervene. The RSPB recognises that there are different shooting intensities and cultural practices across the UK and urgency for action varies across the four countries.

Reform is urgently needed, and the RSPB is determined to work with governments, members of the shooting community, and other conservation organisations to bring this about across the UK. The RSPB is calling for an end to environmentally unsustainable gamebird shooting. RSPB Chair of Council, Kevin Cox, went on outline how this can be achieved.

Kevin reported that First, the RSPB believes that new laws backed up by tougher enforcement will be needed to end the illegal killing of birds of prey, to end the use of lead ammunition and to end vegetation burning on peatlands. This is because these practices are entirely incompatible with the imperative to address the climate and ecological emergency and that there are perfectly practical alternatives.

Secondly, Kevin shared the RSPB's belief that all intensive gamebird shooting should be regulated in order to reduce the negative environmental impacts.  What is meant by this is as follows:

For 'driven' grouse shooting, where beaters drive the birds towards the guns, the RSPB considers that the intensification of land management practices is unsustainable and damaging. Between 2004 and 2016 there was a 62 per cent increase in the number of grouse shot. The RSPB believes that reform, leading to an improvement in the environmental condition of the UK's uplands, will most effectively be achieved through the introduction of licences for 'driven' grouse shoots. These licences would set minimum environmental standards which, if breached, would result in losing the right to shoot. The RSPB has set out the principles for how this system could operate.

The RSPB's focus is not on 'walked up' grouse shooting, but on secure, effective licensing for 'driven' grouse shooting. The RSPB intends to learn from the developments anticipated on this issue in Scotland. An annual assessment of progress will be provided and the RSPB will review its position within five years. Failure to deliver effective reform will result in the RSPB calling for a ban on driven grouse shooting.

For the release of non-native Pheasants and Red-legged Partridges, the RSPB proposed a different approach. The number of birds released annually is estimated to have grown to at least 57 million and the RSPB's evidence review showed that habitats created by land managed for these birds can provide benefits for wildlife. However, the review also showed that there are substantial negative environmental consequences from the industrialised form of this shooting, including the direct and indirect impacts that released birds can have on other wildlife. This situation is recognised by some in the shooting community and reviews of evidence published by Natural England and the shooting organisation, BASC, reached similar conclusions.

The RSPB is keen to work with public bodies and the shooting sector to help address the issues with urgency. Important first steps include ensuring a reduction in the number of gamebirds being released and full compliance with existing reporting rules. Ultimately, the RSPB believes that further regulation will be necessary to drive up environmental standards. This will be called for within 18 months if significant progress is not secured.

Kevin declared that there will be those who dismiss the RSPB's findings out of hand. However, recent attacks on the RSPB and its staff have only strengthened the organisation's resolve to seek change and he confirmed that the RSPB will willingly work with those who seek change too.

He continued, saying that many shooters recognise that things aren’t right and are keen to end environmentally damaging activities. That they clearly see that intensity of management from some shoots has created an uncertain future for the industry because of growing public concern about the consequences of their actions. The RSPB wants these people to be allies at the forefront of change and is ready to work with them to bring it about.

Kevin concluded by offering a huge thank you to all the RSPB members who helped with the review.