Grey partridge recovery in East Anglia: Conservation in action

[Conor O'Gorman]

Lowland stubble fields in early September used to be filled with the raspy call of grey partridge coveys star-bursting over hedgerows. Today, this iconic farmland bird is rare and more precious after decades of decline. Yet, among the fields and hedgerows of East Anglia, there’s hope of a recovery, with shooting playing a pivotal role...

Grey partridge recovery in East Anglia: Conservation in action

Among the fields and hedgerows of East Anglia there’s hope of a recovery for the rare grey partridge, with shooting playing a pivotal role.

basc.org.uk

 

[palmer_mike]

Genuine question, what is the stance of the Houghton Hall estate regarding use of cartridges containing lead shot?

 

[Conor O'Gorman]

Genuine question, what is the stance of the Houghton Hall estate regarding use of cartridges containing lead shot?

They currently allow the use of lead shot.

 

[Bo Diddley]

We have had a good year for wild broods of Grey partridge. Ruthless predator control is one cog in the wheel. A good warm summer is another.

 

[Mr. Gain]

I saw this lot in Oxfordshire a week or so ago. Good hedges and wide headlands (mostly). The land isn't part of a shoot, so not keepered - which isn't to say that this wouldn't be a more common sight with some systematic predator control in place.
(Sorry about the poor picture quality. By the time I'd rolled the window down, they were off.)

 

[palmer_mike]

They currently allow the use of lead shot.

That’s interesting. I thought there was a theory to say partridge populations were at risk from lead shot use and yet they seem to be thriving.

 

[mudman]

It seems to have been an excellent year for Grey Partridge and wild game in general. Locally there is a low stock, often on unkeepered ground, but those pairs have done well with big coveys to be seen here and there on the stubbles.

 

[Conor O'Gorman]

That’s interesting. I thought there was a theory to say partridge populations were at risk from lead shot use and yet they seem to be thriving.

How predictable...if you genuinely want to discuss this PM me.