BASC responds to bird quarry review

First, a massive thank you to everyone who took the time to respond to Defra’s recent consultation on proposed changes to the bird quarry lists in England, Wales and Scotland. The public consultation has now closed, with at least 10,000 people submitting responses — a number that could yet prove to be a conservative estimate. It marks a significant moment: this is the first full review of the quarry lists in 45 years, and the outcome will be announced on 10 August.

What was being consulted on?

The consultation, which ran from 23 March to 17 May, covered proposals for eight species currently on the quarry lists, as well as an invitation to suggest additions. The main proposals were:

• Pochard: remove from quarry list in England, Wales and Scotland
• European white-fronted goose: remove from quarry list in England and Wales; no change for Scotland
• Goldeneye: remove from quarry list in England and Wales; shorten open season in Scotland
• Pintail: remove from quarry list in England; shorten open season in Wales and Scotland
• Snipe: shorten open season in England and Scotland; remove from quarry list in Wales
• Woodcock: shorten open season in England, Wales and Scotland
• Coot: no change in England and Scotland; remove from quarry list in Wales
• Golden plover: no change in England and Scotland; remove from quarry list in Wales
• Woodpigeon: add to quarry list in England, Wales and Scotland
• Other species: invitation for suggestions on adding species to the quarry lists

How did BASC respond?

In a detailed, evidence-led response, BASC recommended that Defra (for England) and the Welsh and Scottish governments endorse BASC’s sustainable shooting code of practice rather than pursue what the organisation characterised as unnecessary and unevidenced restrictions. BASC challenged both the quality of Defra’s evidence and its interpretation, as well as the proportionality of the recommendations put forward.

The response drew on an extensive evidence base used to develop BASC’s sustainable shooting framework and subsequent code of practice, with data updated and analysed against the evidence presented in the consultation. BASC’s council wildfowling liaison committee played a central role in the development of the framework, code and response. The European Federation for Hunting and Conservation (FACE) also supported BASC’s position, writing an open letter to the Secretary of State.

BASC’s central argument is that self-regulation through its code of practice offers a better long-term mechanism for managing sustainable shooting than statutory bans or reduced seasons.

Which 24 species did BASC propose adding to the quarry lists?

Using its sustainable shooting framework, BASC proposed adding the following 24 bird species to the quarry lists in England, Wales and Scotland, for the purposes of wildlife management and/or the harvest of wild food:

• Brent goose
• Carrion crow
• Common gull
• Common scoter
• Cormorant
• Egyptian goose
• Goosander
• Great black-backed gull
• Herring gull
• Jackdaw
• Jay
• Lesser black-backed gull
• Magpie
• Mandarin duck
• Monk parakeet
• Raven
• Red-breasted merganser
• Red-crested pochard
• Rook
• Rose-ringed parakeet
• Ruddy duck
• Starling
• Stock dove
• Woodpigeon

What happens next?

The consultation outcome is due to be announced on 10 August. In the meantime, as a key stakeholder, BASC is in ongoing contact with Defra and the devolved administrations in Wales and Scotland to discuss its recommendations and the supporting evidence.

Ahead of the new shooting season, BASC is urging shooters to read, adopt and implement its sustainable shooting code of practice where relevant, and to share it within the shooting community. Widespread uptake of the code is central to BASC’s self-regulation argument.

Dr Conor O’Gorman led BASC’s campaign on the consultation. He has more than 30 years of experience in conservation and land management, and can be contacted at conor.ogorman@basc.org.uk.