High Court Blocks Natural England’s Licensing Rule for Game-Bird Releases

The High Court blocked Natural England's attempt to require landowners to obtain licences before releasing pheasants and partridges, GB News reported. Mr Justice Ritchie ruled on Thursday that the disputed licence condition banning the keeping of game birds in special protected areas was irrational because Natural England misinterpreted the scope of its powers.

Natural England is a Government nature watchdog.

The British Association of Shooting and Conservation brought the legal challenge. Natural England had justified the licensing requirement by claiming game birds might contract avian flu and spread it to other species. BASC chief executive Ian Bell stated that the judgment concerned the principle that public bodies must act within the law.

He added that BASC engaged with Natural England's leadership but was ignored. BASC is considering whether to seek recovery of its legal costs from the Government. Natural England has indicated it will seek permission to appeal the ruling and will try to ensure the judgment does not take immediate effect.

The licensing requirements had disrupted shoots on Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire and in Norfolk's Breckland region. Last month Natural England proposed strict limits on the number of Dartmoor ponies. Agricultural groups have condemned Natural England for restricting farming on Sites of Special Scientific Interest.

Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for shooting and conservation, stated he is delighted the High Court ruled in BASC's favour. Ian Bell stated that BASC has continually argued that the countryside needs a regulator that works. Shooting provides 26,000 full-time jobs, almost all in rural areas, according to the British Association of Shooting and Conservation.