As the UK’s leading wildlife research charity, GWCT has consistently encouraged the shooting community to move from lead ammunition to alternatives on the basis that the scientific evidence shows it has a toxic effect on wildlife. In 2019, the Trust joined other organisations in calling on the sector as a whole to make a voluntary transition away from lead shot.
The alternatives to lead shot have greatly improved in the past decade. The GWCT’s demonstration shoot at Loddington in Leicestershire has not allowed the use of lead ammunition for the past two seasons, and has adapted well to the use of alternatives, primarily steel. Other countries have made the switch successfully; in Denmark, for example, there is a thriving game management sector in spite of lead ammunition having been prohibited for 30 years.
Switching to non-lead shot is in line with GWCT’s support for sustainable game management. Peer reviewed research by the GWCT clearly demonstrates a biodiversity net gain when game managers follow best practice guidance. The new regulations will help ensure those standards are met and make the case for the sector’s contribution to reversing national biodiversity decline even stronger.
In addition, Food Standard Agency guidance is there is no agreed safe level of lead, which has been a barrier to more people enjoying game meat. Greater availability of non-lead shot game will offer a healthier alternative which everybody can enjoy.
The government’s decision to prohibit the sale and use of lead ammunition, is therefore good for the game management sector, the wider countryside and its wildlife.
GWCT Director of Advisory Roger Draycott said: “We advocated a voluntary move to alternatives five years ago and have made our position on this issue clear. We believe the transition will be beneficial for nature and help secure the future of the game management, which provides a lifeline for many of the UK’s most threatened species.”
GWCT Director of Policy Dr Alastair Leake added: “Scientific monitoring of wildlife over the past 30 years at the Trust’s demonstration shoot shows game management delivering a clear biodiversity net gain and playing a vital role in reversing the decline of many red-listed species. The shoot has easily adapted to non-lead ammunition over the past two seasons, which will enhance its positive impact.”
GWCT Chief Executive Nick von Westenholz said: “We hope government and stakeholders will work constructively with cartridge manufacturers and gunmakers to help them adapt within the time-frame and we look forward to helping the shooting community make the transition by providing expert advice and support.”
For details on lead shot in food, visit www.food.gov.uk/safety-hygiene/lead-shot-game