Woodcock numbers rise

Some of the show highlights

There has been a surprise influx of woodcock this winter leading to a better season than anticipated. As the woodcock season drew to a close last week on 31 January, there have been sightings of more birds on the ground than expected.

Dr Andrew Hoodless, head of wetland research at the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust, said he received reports of large numbers of woodcock arriving in the country at the end of November.

He said: “I received word from shoots at various locations across the country during early December, all indicating that woodcock numbers were slightly above average. In some western areas, such as parts of Ireland and Cornwall, numbers were well above average.”

He added that at his regular study site in Hampshire a high proportion of first-year birds were being caught.

Owen Williams, director of the Woodcock Network, concurred: “I have been seeing above average numbers of woodcock in Mid Wales when out lamping and have also been catching a high proportion of first-years.”

The reasons are not altogether clear but it is thought that conditions in spring on the main breeding grounds in Russia and Scandinavia may have contributed. These resulted in better chick survival immediately after hatching, when they are vulnerable to cold, wet weather and compensated for higher mortality during the dry weather later in the summer. It is only days away from the British Shooting Show and the National Gamekeepers’ Organisation (NGO) is providing visiting keepers a comfortable place to meet. The NGO is co-sponsoring the Gamekeeping Hall at the event, which is being held at the NEC in Birmingham between 15 to 17 February. The hall has been styled to recreate the feel of a beaters’ bothy. Visitors to the NGO stand will be able to hear about its latest work, get expert advice from its firearms adviser and ask any questions they may have. Tim Weston, of the NGO, said: “February is a perfect time for many gamekeepers to start preparing for the season ahead and the show is an ideal opportunity to catch up with the latest products and services.” There is much else to see and do at the show, so for more information and to buy tickets, visit www.shootingshow.co.uk

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