RSPB takes aim at gamebird releases

Shooting and rural organisations have criticised the RSPB’s latest policy initiative calling for greater restrictions on the release of gamebirds. Beccy Speight, the charity’s chief executive, recently wrote to a number of rural organisations saying it was “imperative to reduce the negative impacts of the release of non-native gamebirds”, especially in relation to large-scale shoots. However, Teresa Dent, chief executive of the GWCT, said in response: “The science shows that size of shoot is not a critical factor in terms of biodiversity delivery. All shoots, large or small, can deliver significant biodiversity gains when they follow best practice guidelines.” The National Gamekeepers’ Organisation said the initiative proved the charity was more interested in pursuing a campaign against shooting than conservation. It said the work gamekeepers do in maintaining habitats greatly…