Study on impact of gamebird releases

Defra has given assurances to BASC that next year’s general licences for England will be ready for public scrutiny next month.

The new licensing regime, which will come into force from 1 January, has been subject to a long-term review following a legal challenge last year.

Defra is said to have completed an analysis of its review and is consulting with Natural England, the licensing authority, and will publish the new terms after this.

George Eustice, the Environment Secretary, said: “It is vital that we have a robust, long-term licensing system.”