Sacha Dench, a prominent conservationist based in Devon, has expressed support for upcoming legislation banning lead ammunition sales while highlighting the widespread dangers it poses to bird populations across Europe. Dench, known for her wildlife tracking expeditions including a paramotor journey following Bewick’s swan migration, serves as a member of the Lead Ammunition Collective, an advocacy group that recently received the RSPB Medal for its campaign efforts.
Dench estimates that between 7,000 and 13,000 tonnes of lead are released into the UK’s natural environment annually through ammunition use. She notes that water birds are particularly vulnerable, mistaking lead pellets for food or grit and ingesting them, which subsequently breaks down in their stomachs causing poisoning. According to her figures, approximately 100,000 water birds in the UK are expected to die annually from lead poisoning, with estimates suggesting around one million deaths across Europe. This mortality rate represents a significant conservation concern, with some species facing extinction pressure as a result.
Legislation prohibiting the sale and use of lead shot in England, Wales and Scotland is scheduled to take effect from April 2029. The shift away from lead ammunition has already begun among some practitioners. Sharif Adams, a deer manager operating in the Teign Valley and chairman of the South West branch of the British Deer Society, has voluntarily transitioned to non-toxic ammunition. Adams described the decision as straightforward given the conservation-focused nature of his work, and noted that practical market considerations have reinforced the change, as game dealers increasingly require non-lead ammunition for venison entering the food supply chain.
The Lead Ammunition Collective was recently honored with the RSPB Medal, presented to Dr Ruth Cromie and Prof Debbie Pain at the organization’s annual general meeting earlier this month. The award represents recognition of an unusually broad partnership spanning stakeholders not typically associated with conservation work.
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