Cwestiwn ysgrifenedig WQ100745

Earlier this year, Defra led a joint consultation on proposed changes to Schedule 2 to the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. It was produced collaboratively with the UK and Scottish Government based on evidence provided by respective Statutory Nature Conservation Bodies (SNCB’s). It outlined options for updating the species of birds listed in Schedule 2, which would prevent (or in one case allow) those species being hunted outside their close season.

Schedule 2 to the 1981 Act sets out species of birds (and certain mammals) that may be killed or taken outside the close season. This list also known as the quarry list has not been comprehensively reviewed in Wales since the 1981 Act came into force. The proposed amendments reflect changes in ecological evidence, conservation status, and management needs. Wales specific questions were included to ensure appropriate territorial nuance.

Welsh Government is awaiting the initial analysis by Defra to help inform Welsh Government’s position on any potential changes and how they may be applied in Wales if such changes were deemed appropriate.

This is in addition to our commitment to set ambitious targets to achieve substantive nature recovery by 2050.