England gamebird releasing general licences update

[Conor O'Gorman]

BASC has today received confirmation from Defra that GL43, the general licence which permits the release of pheasants and red legged partridges on or within 500 metres of a Special Area of Conservation (SAC), will be issued in the next couple of weeks.

Defra has also advised that Ministers have not approved the issuing of GL45, which applies to the release of these gamebirds on or within 500 metres of Special Protection Areas (SPAs), due to the current risk levels of avian influenza. Shoots on these areas will be able to apply for an individual licence from Natural England, Defra has said.

GL43 update welcomed by BASC

Confirmation from Defra that GL43 will be issued in the coming weeks.

basc.org.uk

 

[Conor O'Gorman]

BASC has warned that the government’s latest measures to control avian influenza could shut down significant parts of the English countryside, threatening livelihoods, rural jobs and conservation efforts. Read our statement about the decision by Defra Ministers not to issue General Licence 45 (GL45) here:

BASC urges rethink on bird flu measures for the sake of the countryside

BASC has warned that the government’s latest measures to control avian influenza could shut down significant parts of England's countryside.

basc.org.uk

 

[Liveonce]

How many shoots does this affect? As no idea of the scale of the problem, thanks.

 

[Conor O'Gorman]

How many shoots does this affect? As no idea of the scale of the problem, thanks.

I don't have exact figures but its over 100 and possibly 100s - read the brief above for details.

 

[Conor O'Gorman]

BASC is inviting shoot owners, gamekeepers, shoot captains, and all those affected by changes to gamebird releasing in England to register for a free online webinar. The webinar session is open to BASC members and non-members - simply register to attend on Wednesday 23 April at 7pm. This follows our first webinar, held on 15 April, with over 80 participants.

Click link below to register.

https://basc.org.uk/join-basc-webinar-on-gamebird-releasing-on-protected-sites/

 

[Conor O'Gorman]

Latest update in weblink below, and in summary we are not rolling belly up, we are fully prepared to support those shoots being impacted now, as well as in the longer-term fight to protect sustainable shooting.

Fighting for the future

What is BASC doing about gamebird release restrictions, introduced due to avian influenza concerns? Gareth Dockerty explains....

basc.org.uk

 

[Conor O'Gorman]

Two updates:

BASC is here to help on release licences

Learn about the latest gamebird releasing licence updates in England, including changes to General Licences GL43 and GL45, bird flu impacts on Special Protection Areas, and how BASC is supporting shoots through the complex, evolving regime.

www.shootinguk.co.uk

BASC calls for urgent ministerial action on gamebird release licensing

BASC has called on Environment Secretary Steve Reed MP to intervene in Natural England’s handling of individual gamebird release licences.

basc.org.uk

 

[Conor O'Gorman]

More updates:

Earlier this month Danny Kruger, Conservative MP for East Wiltshire, which covers the largest area of Salisbury Plain, met local shoot owners and BASC to discuss their fears. All agreed Defra needed to step in and take back control of the licensing process.

MP slams ‘senseless’ GL45 ruling on moor

Danny Kruger MP urges Government to reverse the GL45 shooting ban on Salisbury Plain to protect local economy and community.

www.shootinguk.co.uk

BASC is inviting shoot owners, gamekeepers, shoot captains, and all those affected by changes to gamebird releasing in England to register for a free online webinar. Taking place on Wednesday 4 June, 19.00-20.00, the webinar will explore recent developments in gamebird releasing regulations announced by Natural England (NE), with insight from BASC’s game and wildlife management, legal and science teams.

Join free BASC webinar on gamebird releasing on protected sites

BASC is inviting all shoot owners, managers and gamekeepers affected by changes to gamebird releasing in England to a free webinar on 4 June.

basc.org.uk