Countryside Alliance Ireland - love the countryside

Countryside Alliance Ireland is calling on its members to adhere to its call for a voluntary moratorium on shooting of any wild bird during this period of adverse weather.  This call for a voluntary moratorium on shooting is due to the long spell of severe weather which has caused many lakes, ponds and other ground to remain frozen for a prolonged period of time.

During times such as these it is extremely difficult for many wildfowl and other wild birds to find food and a safe refuge. We are urging our members to continue to feed wild birds during this prolonged period of cold weather and that a voluntary moratorium on shooting of all wild birds is practiced. Feeding of our wild bird population should be increased and we wish to acknowledge that our members are very mindful of the importance of our wild bird population to our environment. Our members will do everything they can to co-operate and alleviate any impact this weather will have on our wild bird population.

The Department may introduce a Temporary Suspension of the Open Season if the weather continues to remain at such low temperatures and our members who are responsible country sports people will act in a professional and ethical way.