Click the links below to download information sheets on lead shot substitutes; steel shot and safety; and on cartridge patterning.
A3 lead campaign poster
Click the link below to download an A3 lead campaign poster
Restrictions on lead shot
Since Westminster signed the African-Eurasian Waterbird Agreement (AEWA) (November 1999) it is binding throughout the UK, but its implementation is a matter for the devolved governments. In England the lead shot regulations ban the use of lead shot over all foreshore, over specified SSSIs, and for the shooting of all ducks and geese, coot and moorhen – wherever they occur. The Welsh Assembly introduced similar regulations in September 2002. Scotland’s regulations came into force at the end of March 2005 and Northern Ireland came into force in September 2009.
England
In England the lead shot regulations ban the use of lead shot over all foreshore, over specified SSSIs, and for the shooting of all ducks and geese, coot and moorhen, wherever they occur. Click the links below for the English regulations.
The Environmental Protection (Restriction on Use of Lead Shot) (England) Regulations 1999
Wales
In Wales the lead shot regulations are based closely on the English approach. Click the link below for the Welsh regulations.
The Environmental Protection (Restriction on Use of Lead Shot) (Wales) Regulations 2002
Scotland
In Scotland the lead shot regulations are based around the RAMSAR definition of wetlands. Click the link below for the Scottish regulations.
The Environmental Protection (Restriction on Use of Lead Shot) (Scotland) (No.2) Regulations 2004
Click the link below for a practical guide on how the law works in Scotland.
Northern Ireland
In Northern Ireland the lead shot regulations are based on the Scottish approach and prohibit the use of lead shot on or over any area of wetland for any shooting activity. Wetlands are defined as, regardless of size, any areas of foreshore, marsh, fen, peatland with standing water, regularly or seasonally flooded fields, and other water sources whether they be natural or man-made, static or flowing, fresh, brackish or salt. Click the link below for the Northern Ireland regulations.
The Environmental Protection (Restriction on Use of Lead Shot) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2009
Compliance with the lead shot regulations
All the UK’s major shooting organisations have come together in a campaign to combat the threat to lead ammunition. Their message is simple: if you want to keep lead, keep to the law.