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Interpretation Panel

UKWAS Interpretation Note 3 - Game activities in Natural Reserves

PLEASE NOTE: THIS INFORMATION NOTE RELATES TO THE SUPERSEDED FIRST EDITION OF THE UK WOODLAND ASSURANCE STANDARD

Key Words: game, shooting, hunting, deer, natural reserves, public access.

Relevant requirement references: 5.1 and 6.3.1

Date: Discussed and agreed at Interpretation Panel meeting on 28th February 2000.

Question:

Is the shooting of game and deer acceptable in areas set aside as natural reserves?

Discussion:

The explanation in the Guidance column (6.3.1) makes clear that natural reserves "are managed by minimum intervention unless alternative management has higher conservation of biodiversity value". (The definition of natural reserves in the Glossary is not helpful and will be replaced with this Guidance at the next revision). Shooting of deer in order to prevent loss of biodiversity would thus be acceptable, but shooting or game rearing which had adverse impacts on biodiversity - which must be the primary objective for these reserves - would not be.

Conclusions:

Natural reserves are identified as areas managed primarily for biodiversity protection and game rearing would be inappropriate. Shooting in natural reserves is only acceptable if it is intended to contribute to the conservation of biodiversity.