2025

As winter seems to be in full swing, many organisations are encouraging us to feed the birds. They are reminding everyone to maintain consistency, while also advising on what and how to feed for the best results. This is largely targeted towards garden birds, which can be significant when our gardens make up 4.6% of the land use in the UK. However, farmland makes up a huge 72% of the land use in the UK.

10 December marks the official end of the grouse-shooting season in the UK. Thus, it provides an excellent opportunity to update on the results of the health testing in red grouse carried out by the GWCT Advisory Services in Scotland in 2025.

Fingask Castle on Sunday 7^th December was the setting for a great day of celebration for a select group of youngsters as they were awarded for their artistic talent. 

This week the Government published an updated Environmental Improvement Plan (EIP) following the rapid review initiated in July 2024.  This revision now links the goals with commitments and actions so there is a pathway to delivery.  But will these actions achieve their aim?

Director of Research Dr. Andrew Hoodless explains more about the ground breaking project researching common snipe migration that you can support through the GWCT Snipe Appeal.

A group of local farmers has set-up a new on-farm water testing laboratory to monitor the health of the Bourne, a tributary of the River Avon.

Many of GWCT’s policy messages relate to the benefits of land management and the need for interventions. Land management and associated practices can support policy outcomes in a variety of areas from carbon sequestration protection to nature recovery, sustainable food production, and economic development.

Hedgerows are a defining feature of the British countryside, offering far more than aesthetic appeal. When managed with care, they provide a wealth of ecological benefits and contribute meaningfully to sustainable land management. 

I have long been buying raffle tickets with no expected hope of success just the knowledge that my modest contribution to the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust would help their vital and important research work to support shooting.

The common snipe (Gallinago gallinago) has long fascinated ornithologists for its cryptic plumage, zig-zag flight and this haunting “drumming” display. Yet for all its charisma, the snipe’s migration ecology remains surprisingly under-studied compared to other waders.