University farm to end pheasant shoot lease
13 November 2019
The University of Reading has decided to end organised game shooting on its land, following the conclusion of an internal review.
The University Executive Board decided at its meeting on Monday (11 November) to endorse the findings of a review group set up to examine the case for continuing or ending an existing licence allowing game shooting, after earlier discussions with internal and external groups.
This means the University will no longer allow its land to be used to raise game birds for shooting, such as pheasants or partridges, once an existing agreement with an external group that uses University farmland comes to an end in February 2020.
The review group was chaired by Professor Mark Fellowes, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Academic Planning & Resource, and included expert panel members from the University's School of Agriculture, Policy and Development and School of Biological Sciences.
The group considered evidence that included submissions from groups in favour or against the practice of game shooting, as well as comments from students, staff and members of the public. They also considered the legal and financial implications of either maintaining or ending existing arrangements, as well as consistency with the University's new strategy, which is currently under development.
A University of Reading spokesperson said: "The University of Reading is known in the region and around the world as a leading centre for the study of agriculture, food and the environment. While there are many arguments for and against game shooting, this decision was taken based on what is the most appropriate use of University land, based on our values and plans for the future.
"We are committed to maintaining close links with outside groups and the local community across all our operations, including on our farms.
"We are grateful to all those who engaged with us positively throughout this review process."