Natural England's approach to permitting the release of non-native game birds on Protected Sites (TIN221)

This document comprises internal operational guidance which explains Natural England’s current approach to evaluating applications for a SSSI consent or an individual Licence to release the non-native common pheasant or red-legged partridge onto or close to a Protected Site. This was produced following the publication of a rapid evidence review into the ecological consequences of gamebird releasing (NEER016 see below). It has been published for information to help others understand Natural England’s approach to these matters when discharging its functions as a competent authority.