Consultation on Amending the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981
04/05/2026
The recent consultation launched by the UK Government seeks views on changes to Part 1, Schedule 2 (2.1) of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (WCA). Schedule 2.1 sets out which wild bird species may be killed or taken outside the “close season”. The close season is the time of year when birds are protected to support breeding and migration, and it varies by species.
The consultation closes on 17 May 2026.
The consultation proposes the following:
Notwithstanding that there seems to be little evidence presented to explain why a change in legislation is needed, the consultation requires a reply, which we encourage members to submit in line with the instructions. Given recent experiences with such consultations, realistically, Government departments don't read the many thousands of responses when presented with them. The numerical weight of the responses is of great importance. They do, however, read the responses from the organisations centrally. This is especially important when examining the need to change the legislation, as a parliamentary committee may invite submissions of evidence. Consequently, we would advise members to submit an electronic reply. Your individual voice may not be heard, but it will add weight to the collective voices of your fellow members.
We suggest you email WildlifeManagementAndCrime@defra.gov.uk with the following heading;
Consultation - proposed changes to Part 1, Schedule 2 (2.1) of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (WCA).
The following text may seem appropriate; however, change it if you think it better reflects your views.
I refer to your consultation seeking views on proposed changes to Part 1, Schedule 2 (2.1) of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (WCA).
There is little evidence that the sustainable harvest of the species involved in this consultation negatively impacts their populations. More importantly, given the valuable conservation measures taken by those involved in harvesting such species, further restrictions on their sustainable harvest would likely reduce the desire to carry out conservation work. The keyword when dealing with the extant legislation is sustainability. Those involved in the taking of such species understand conservation and the importance of the environment and predator control and therefore undertake these activities proactively.
Changing the Schedule would likely disincentivise important conservation work. Consequently, I would simply ask that my response to your consultation be that there is no need to change the extant legislation.
I trust this is in order. Should you wish to contact me, please use the following email address.
You may wish to add your personal experiences, which can be impactful. It is, however, vitally important that you submit a response, as doing nothing, when country sports are being attacked weekly by the UK government and the devolved administrations, is not an option.
We at SACS, will be replying to the full consultation; however, in the meantime, our advice is to use the wording as suggested. Should you have any queries, please don't hesitate to contact us at the office.