Thank you for contacting me about the shooting of woodcock.
I am aware that the reasons for the decline of the breeding population of woodcock are not fully understood but are likely to include disturbance; habitat loss due to land drainage; the drying out of natural woodlands; changes in surrounding woodland management; the maturation of new plantations; and overgrazing by deer. Further work is needed to fully understand the causes of its decline.
All wild birds are protected in accordance with the provisions set out in the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. Some species of birds, including the woodcock, are listed in Schedule 2 of the Act, and may be hunted during the open season. In England and Wales, the open season for woodcock is from 1 October to 31 January. I understand that the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs intends to review Schedule 2 to the Wildlife and Countryside Act, which lists species of birds which may be killed or taken outside a close season.
In particular, consideration will be given to the evidence underpinning the listing of species such as woodcock so that we can ensure that recreational shooting is sustainable and does not undermine species recovery. This may include a review of the evidence for the timing and duration of the close season. This is an issue I will continue to follow closely.
More broadly, the woodcock will be supported by a number of measures already in place. The Government is committed to species recovery in England and has set a new legally binding target to halt the decline in species abundance by 2030 through the Environment Act 2021.
Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.