BASC criticises Defra for quarry species consultation

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March 23, 2026

BASC has criticised Defra for plans to remove species from the quarry list and to shorten certain shooting seasons.

In a consultation launched today, 23 March, covering England, Wales and Scotland, Defra has put forward proposals which include the removal of pochard from the quarry list in England, Wales and Scotland and the removal of snipe in Wales.

They also include shortening the open season for woodcock in England, Wales and Scotland, and for snipe in England and Scotland.

Woodpigeon would be added to the quarry list with an open season from 1 September to 31 January whilst remaining on the general licences for all year-round control. Proposals for other species to be added to the quarry list will be considered.

BASC will produce guidance on responding to the consultation and would advise members to await this before taking action. The species being reviewed are European white-fronted geese, goldeneye, pintail, pochard, common snipe, woodcock, woodpigeon, coot and golden plover.

Dr Marnie Lovejoy, BASC’s deputy director of conservation, said: “We will respond robustly to this consultation and challenge Defra’s proposals. The sector is already delivering sustainable shooting and has taken action based on evidence and clear, best-practice recommendations. The removal of species from the quarry list and the shortening of shooting seasons would do nothing for conservation.

“BASC strongly supports adaptive, evidence-led species management through self-regulation. We oppose blunt legislative bans, particularly where UK harvest is not driving declines.”