Delayed release requirement scrapped for six Special Protection Areas

Natural England has advised of changes to the likely licencing outcomes for gamebird releasing on six Special Protection Areas in England, which were previously subject to a delayed release condition. The move has been welcomed by BASC.

Last week, BASC, along with representatives from other organisations, met with Natural England’s (NE) licensing team for an update on gamebird releasing on or near Special Protection Areas (SPAs) in England.

NE confirmed that, given the reduced AI risk, applicants for the following six SPAs – which were previously likely to be successful with a delayed release date of 1 September – will no longer be subject to such a requirement:

• Ashdown Forest SPA
• East Devon Heaths SPA
• North York Moors SPA
• Peak District Moors (South Pennine Moors Phase 1) SPA
• South Pennine Moors Phase 2 SPA
• Thorne and Hatfield Moors SPA

In practical terms, this means that the delayed release condition will be removed for those who already hold a licence in these areas. NE has emailed affected licence holders to advise of this change.

It is good news for some of the shoots affected and removing the delayed release condition for these sites is something BASC has been pressing NE to do.

This latest announcement comes just weeks after BASC’s successful legal challenge against Natural England in the High Court.

Dr Marnie Lovejoy, BASC’s deputy director of conservation, said: “This is a welcome change and one that will make a positive difference to the shoots involved.

“BASC had asked NE to review its approach sooner, in light of the reduced risk from avian influenza. We believe there are further changes that could be made and so we will continue to seek a proportionate, evidence-based approach to licensing.”

NE’s approach to all other SPAs remains unchanged, and its published likely licensing outcomes for other sites remain applicable. 

NE has today issued further information on gamebird release licensing, which is available here.

If you have questions about an individual licence, or if you’re unsure whether this change affects you or your shoot, contact your local BASC team for advice.