Conservationist Sacha Dench welcomes new UK lead ammunition ban

A prominent conservationist known as the woman who runs with wolves of the sky, Sacha Dench, has publicly welcomed new government legislation that will ban the sale and use of lead ammunition in England, Wales, and Scotland starting in April 2029. Dench, a biologist who gained international recognition for flying a paramotor 4,300 miles to track the migration of Bewick's swans, has spent years highlighting the environmental impact of toxic pellets on European bird populations.

The woman who runs with wolves of the sky's campaign

As a member of the Lead Ammunition Collective, Dench has been instrumental in advocating for policy changes to address the environmental contamination caused by traditional shotgun cartridges. The collective was recently honored with the RSPB Medal, a prestigious accolade previously awarded to figures such as David Attenborough. Dench noted that the award serves as a testament to the power of diverse groups collaborating for the sake of conservation.

Scientific research has long indicated that lead shotgun pellets pose a severe threat to habitats. When discharged, these pellets scatter into the environment, where water birds often mistake them for food or grit. Once ingested, the lead is ground down in the birds' stomachs, leading to fatal poisoning. Experts estimate that between 7,000 and 13,000 tonnes of lead are deposited into the UK environment annually, resulting in the deaths of up to 100,000 water birds in Britain and potentially a million across Europe each year. Dench warns that this cumulative impact is significant enough to push vulnerable species toward extinction.

Practical shifts are already occurring within the industry. Sharif Adams, a deer manager in the Teign Valley, has transitioned to non-toxic ammunition, describing the move as a logical decision for conservation-focused work. He noted that market pressures are also driving change, as game dealers are increasingly refusing to accept venison harvested with lead-based products, making the switch essential for those involved in the food supply chain.

New UK legislation will ban the sale and use of lead ammunition by 2029 to protect wildlife.

Why it matters

The implementation of this ban marks a significant shift in environmental policy, aiming to reduce the long-term toxicity of rural habitats. By phasing out lead, the legislation seeks to protect water birds and ensure that the venison food market remains compliant with modern safety standards.

While the legislation specifically targets the UK, the issue of lead poisoning remains a global concern for migratory birds. The success of the Lead Ammunition Collective provides a framework for other regions to consider how collaborative partnerships between conservationists and land managers can effectively mitigate the spread of toxic substances in the natural world.