Natural England expands gamebird release ban across SPAs

Restrictions continue for SPA shoots

It’s déjà vu for shoots operating on or near Special Protection Areas, as Natural England confirms the release of gamebirds will continue to be restricted or altogether banned for them this season. General Licence 45 will again be replaced by an individual licensing system.

The outlook for shoots operating on or near SPAs is bleak. Natural England has named only one SPA where shoots will likely be granted a licence with normal measures in place, and 12 SPAs where shoots are likely to receive a licence, subject to a delayed release date. All other SPAs are unlikely to receive a licence at all, Natural England says.

.

Sites facing likely refusal

The SPAs that last year stood a chance but this year face a likely refusal are Breckland, Sandlings, Thames Basin Heaths, Thursley, Hankley and Frensham Commons (Wealden Heaths Phase 1) and Wealden Heaths Phase 2.

.

Woodlark and bird flu concerns

The risk of overwintering woodlark populations contracting bird flu from gamebirds was cited as the key concern behind Natural England’s decision this year. The agency admits, however, that the susceptibility of woodlark to bird flu is not properly evidenced – a juxtaposition that has drawn criticism from rural organisations.

The Countryside Alliance’s Roger Seddon described the decision as based on a “remarkable absence of evidence” and pointed out that no recorded instance of bird flu passing from migratory birds through released gamebirds to woodlark had ever been documented. He warned the restrictions would cause socio-economic damage to local communities while dismantling the predator control and habitat management that had helped ground-nesting birds – woodlark among them – to thrive in the first place.

.

Existing licence framework remains

GL43 continues to apply for Special Areas of Conservation with no SPA overlap, subject to conditions.