Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if he will delay the opening of the woodcock shooting season to 1 December.

Defra is committed to reviewing the protection we afford to wild birds listed on Schedule 2 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, which permits the hunting of a species listed on Part 1 outside of its close season.

This review will seek to establish the evidence underpinning the listing of species such as the woodcock, so we can ensure that recreational shooting is sustainable and does not undermine species recovery. This might include amending the close season for native species such as the woodcock.

Engagement with Natural England and the Devolved Administrations is already underway, and we anticipate meeting further with them and other key stakeholders to hear their views in the coming weeks. Once Natural England has completed its analysis, we will be considering if any changes ought to be made to Schedule 2.