Defra Opens England-Wide Review of Gamebird Rearing, Release and Shooting

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has opened an England-wide call for evidence on gamebird rearing, release and shooting, beginning a new review of the activity’s environmental, welfare and wildlife-crime impacts.

The evidence-gathering exercise will examine the effects of gamebird management on biodiversity and protected habitats, as well as biosecurity and disease risks. It will also consider animal welfare, wildlife crime and the use of natural resources.

Defra said the review does not prejudge the outcome or commit the government to future regulatory changes. The exercise is intended to inform consideration of future policy rather than introduce an immediate ban, licensing regime or other new controls.

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Responses to the call for evidence must be submitted by 1 November 2026. The department’s scope covers the different stages of the activity, from rearing birds through to their release and shooting in England.

The opening of the review has prompted competing interpretations from shooting and conservation organisations. The British Association for Shooting and Conservation has highlighted the significance of the evidence-gathering period for the future of shooting, while Wildlife and Countryside Link has criticised gamebird shooting carried out on an industrial scale on nature and animal-welfare grounds.

The review therefore creates a formal opportunity for evidence to be submitted on a politically sensitive issue, but it does not amount to a final government decision. Any future measures would depend on the evidence received and the policy process that follows.

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