Gamebird release legal challenge

The release of gamebirds in the British countryside is facing legal scrutiny.

Wild Justice, the wildlife campaign group, says releases could be unlawful with regard to the effect they have on Special Protection Areas (SPAs) and Special Areas of Conservation. The group, fronted by scientists Mark Avery, Ruth Tingay and television naturalist Chris Packham, has sought a judicial review because it believes Defra could be in breach of the EU habitats directive by allowing such releases, estimated to be around 50 million birds annually, the majority being pheasant.

Defra has responded to the legal challenge by instigating a review. The department said it would consider the “legislative arrangements around the relevant activities and whether there are ways in which their effectiveness could be improved”.

Four leading shooting groups joined forces to fight the challenge. BASC, Countryside Alliance, Game Farmers’ Association and the National Gamekeepers’ Organisation issued a statement confirming that they had become interested parties in the proceedings. A spokesman said: “This case has direct consequences for thousands of our members and supporters who shoot; many of whom are also responsible for the care and management of these sites…

“Wild Justice is putting at risk the responsible management, use and enjoyment of the countryside by farmers, land managers and the public at large, as well as endangering the very wildlife and environment which they claim to be interested in protecting.”