The Moorland Association, along with other leading countryside organisations, have written to Defra to express our serious concerns about the delays in issuing gamebird release licences GL43 and GL45 governing gamebird releases in and around protected sites. These licenses are crucial for planning and are relied upon by many of you. The delays are causing increased uncertainty as the spring season kicks off, a vital period in the gamebird breeding cycle. In our letter to the minister, we highlighted several critical points: Urgent Need for Licences: Expected in February, the ongoing delays are causing anxiety and disruption, with licence users bearing all the risks. Communication Shortfalls: Despite assurances of regular updates following the 2023 judicial review, communication from Defra has been lacking. Economic Impact: Shooting is a key driver of rural economic growth and social cohesion, and these delays threaten unnecessary disruption. Statistics: £3.3 billion annual GVA contribution; £9.3 billion in wider economic activity; £330 million in travel and tourism benefits, supporting 11,000 jobs. Conservation Contributions: Shooting invests significant private capital and resources in conservation and biodiversity recovery. £500 million is spent on conservation work, equivalent to 26,000 full-time jobs and 14 million workdays annually.
