Supporters and critics of Pheasant shooting have traded blows on social media all week, prompted by a legal challenge from campaign group Wild Justice against the government in England.

Wild Justice argues that allowing gamebirds to be released into the countryside should require a government assessment under the EU Habitats Directive.

An estimated 43m Pheasants and 9m Red-legged Partridges were released in the UK in 2012, according to the Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust, which has not published figures since.

While the legal case is being taken in England, the laws are identical in Wales, where GWCT says Pheasant shooting occurs in 5% of Wales’ woodlands , compared to 28% in England.

Were Wild Justice to win its case, governments would be challenged to find the science to assess the ecological impact of releasing gamebirds.

A recent British Trust for Ornithology study estimates around 45,000 tonnes of birds are released, more than twice the combined weight of Britain’s native breeding birds.

 

The BTO study found a relationship between numbers of released gamebirds and numbers of Buzzards, crows, Jays and Ravens: they say that gamebird releases boost numbers of these predators at a UK scale.

Since predation by crows is implicated in preventing the recovery of birds such as Curlew and Lapwing, understanding the consequences of gamebird releases on native wildlife is important, whatever the courts decide.

What's around at the moment?

In a world away from online arguments, RSPB Cors Ddyga continues to host a Savi’s Warbler, Great White Egret and two Spoonbills, with an elusive Purple Heron here.

A Knot has spent the week at RSPB Conwy and 14 Common Sandpipers were on the Clwyd estuary on Sunday.

Ten Mediterranean Gulls, including one colour-ringed in France, were at Anglesey’s Penrhos Coastal Park, with another 18 at Pwllheli harbour over the weekend.

 

Go birding: Talks, walks and activities in North Wales this week

You can turn up to any of these events unless a phone number to book is provided.

  • Daily: ‘Welsh landscapes and wildlife’ photo exhibition by Jean Napier, RSPB Ynys-hir SY20 8TA.
  • Every Fri-Mon: 2 hour sessions in the Osprey watching hide with RSPB Cymru, Llyn Brenig sailing club LL21 9TT. Booking: 01490 420463.
  • Wed, Jul 24, 11am: Wild Wednesday family activities, RSPB Lake Vyrnwy SY10 0LZ. Booking: 01691 870278.
  • Thu, Jul 25, 1.30pm: Guided walk, RSPB South Stack LL65 1YH.
  • Thu, Jul 25, 2-3.30pm: Wildlife drop-in event for families, RSPB Conwy LL31 9XZ.
  • Thu, Jul 25, 5pm: Picnic with a Porpoise with NWWT. Meet Bull Bay Hotel, Amlwch LL68 9SH.
  • Fri, Jul 26, 11am: Bird walk, NT Bodnant Garden, Eglwysbach LL28 5RE. Booking: 0344 2491895.
  • Sat, Jul 27, 10am: Walking and Wildlife for Welsh learners, NWWT Aberduna, near Mold CH7 5LD.
  • Sat, Jul 27, 11am: Guided walk, RSPB Conwy LL31 9XZ.
  • Sat-Sun, Jul 27-28: Big Wild Sleepout, RSPB Conwy LL31 9XZ. Booking: 01492 581025; RSPB Ynys-hir SY20 8TA. Booking: 01654 700222.