Home / Environment / Six UK Wild Birds Get New Protection
Six UK Wild Birds Get New Protection
23 Mar
Summary
- Shooting bans proposed for threatened ducks like pochard, pintail, goldeneye.
- Woodcock also faces extended protection season due to declining numbers.
- Proposals aim to protect six British wild bird species from population decline.
New proposals are set to protect six British wild bird species experiencing significant population declines. These measures will restrict the shooting of several duck species, including the pochard, pintail, and goldeneye, all currently under threat. The pochard, once common, is declining rapidly, and a total ban on shooting it is proposed. Woodcocks, a species of high conservation priority, will also benefit from extended protection periods across England, Wales, and Scotland.
These changes will be implemented through secondary legislation, following a consultation process. The government is also exploring adding the wood pigeon to the Wildlife and Countryside Act to introduce a close season on animal welfare grounds, despite their use by farmers for crop protection. Nature minister Mary Creagh stated the proposals demonstrate the government's commitment to wildlife preservation.
