Lead Ammunition: What the Phase Out Means for Grouse Moors

Defra has finally responded to last year’s Health & Safety Executive (HSE) recommendation. This proposed that lead ammunition should be phased out over five years. Defra has confirmed it wishes to achieve that in four years.

The first phase is to prepare the legislation. The government hopes to have this passed in 2026, but that may get delayed. Once agreed, a three year transition is proposed. In simple terms this will lead to a ban on the use of lead ammunition across England, Scotland and Wales. The precise detail has yet to be agreed.

What this means for us

• Legislation by mid-2026: Defra plans to introduce regulations by the summer of 2026 (but that may slip)

• Three-year phase-out: The sale and use of shotgun pellets (with over 1 % lead) and bullets (with over 3 % lead) will be prohibited over three years, ending most lead ammunition usage by 2029 (exactly when is not yet agreed).

• Alternatives: the government is confident alternatives are now sufficient (we note that the current volumes of production are not yet sufficient)

Grouse Moors: Leading the transition

Our moors have already been paving the way. Sporting organisations, including the MA, GWCT, BASC and others, voluntarily endorsed a five-year lead-free target back in 2020. Since then:

• Manufacturers have stepped up: A diverse range of non-lead shotgun loads - steel, bismuth, tungsten - plus biodegradable wads, have emerged in response.

• Field trials on grouse moors continue apace, ensuring alternatives match performance standards and are safe for use on rocky areas.

Thanks to voluntary momentum, many shoots are already lead-free or well underway.

What Comes Next

1. Clearer timelines ensure greater supply. With confirmed dates, manufacturers can escalate production. Current inventories of these alternatives are low but this focus should result in them being readily available.

2. Keep testing and adapting. To ensure shoots stay both safe and effective, especially on drives where ricochet may be an issue.

3. Share feedback. Field observations about effectiveness of alternatives, safety margins and unexpected ricochet are essential.

4. Supporting adoption now. This is the time to train staff, upgrade equipment and educate guests. Confidence grows with familiarity.

Why This Matters

• Wildlife protection: Lead can harm wildlife. When stocks of suitable alternatives become readily available, use them.

• Human safety and reputation: Game meat is at risk of lead contamination. Reducing that builds public trust.

Your Role as an MA Member

• Engage early: Order emerging alternatives now and test them.

• Record what works: Sharing feedback. Tell us what works for you on your shoot.

• Help spread the message: Talk to visiting guests. Discuss safety, sustainability and performance.

Summary

There’s no longer uncertainty. Defra has outlined a 2026–2029 three-year phase-out for lead ammunition. Grouse moors have already shown what's possible, and we’re in a strong position to continue leading. Together - manufacturers, keepers, shoots, and suppliers - we can deliver. Let’s embrace the challenge and lead the way.

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