As of March 2026, the UK, Scottish, and Welsh governments have launched consultations on new, stricter close seasons for several threatened wild bird species to combat population declines. The proposals, aimed at protecting birds during breeding and migration, focus on updating Schedule 2 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. You can read more and comment by clicking the link.
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/stronger-protections-to-help-protect-threatened-wild-birds
Here are the key proposed changes (Consultation closes May 17, 2026):
Woodcock: Extension of the close season across England, Wales, and Scotland due to its Red-listed status.
Woodpigeon: Introduction of a new close season (proposed 1 February – 31 August) to protect them during breeding, while allowing for continued management of crop damage.
Pochard: Complete removal from the shooting list (Schedule 2) across Great Britain.
Pintail and Goldeneye: Removal from the shooting list in England and Wales, or an extension of the close season in other regions.
European White-fronted Goose: Full prohibition of recreational shooting proposed.
Common Snipe: Shortening the open season in England and Scotland, with a proposed ban in Wales.
Coot: The Welsh government is proposing to remove Coot from the permitted shooting list.
The proposed new Close Season dates are:
Woodcock: Extending the current season to end on 30 November (instead of 30 September/31 August) in various nations.
Woodpigeon: Proposed close season of 1 February to 31 August.
These measures follow a review by Defra and Natural England and are designed to ensure that the shooting of wild birds is sustainable. However there is already condemnation from the shooting lobby who are likely to submit strong opposition – Have your say in supporting the proposals
