Stronger protections to help protect threatened wild birds - Defra

New proposals to restrict recreational shooting of threatened wild birds

Six of Britain’s wild bird species are set to be better protected under proposals set out by the UK, Scottish and Welsh governments.

The new rules would restrict the shooting of species including the iconic woodcock, and distinctive pintail, goldeneye and pochard ducks – to ensure they have far greater protection. These species are all classed as under threat and have seen their populations fall sharply in recent years, with some native population numbers now numbering in the hundreds. The proposals include fully prohibiting the recreational shooting of the European white-fronted goose.

The woodcock has captured public imagination for centuries with its distinctive long bill and secretive behaviour and has featured widely in English literature. The pochard, a striking diving duck, is a familiar sight on lakes and reservoirs during winter. The two species can also be seen as a barometer of environmental health, depending on damp woodland habitats and clean, well-vegetated freshwater habitats respectively.