Consultation Launched on Interim Licences for Releasing Gamebirds

Defra has launched a three-week consultation to determine details of the new interim licensing regime ahead of the 2021 release of gamebirds on and around protected sites in England.

The consultation will seek views on the introduction of a general licence for gamebird releases on Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) and Special Protection Areas (SPAs) and within a 500m buffer zone to minimise the negative impact this activity can have on these protected sites.

Environment Secretary, George Eustice, said:

We are committed to developing an interim licensing regime which is effective, practical and proportionate for users, while providing the necessary protections for habitats.

The findings of this consultation will help us shape the interim gamebird release licensing regime and inform our longer-term direction of travel. We urge any relevant parties or local authorities to share their views.

The deadline for submissions is 15 March 2021.