To ask His Majesty's Government whether a habitats regulations assessment has been carried out for the release of mallards into Special Protection Areas and Special Areas of Conservation, given the risks of highly pathogenic avian influenza they present to wild birds.
Asked by
Lord Randall of UxbridgeDate asked
10 Jun 2026
To
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Defra is not aware that a habitats regulations assessment (HRA) has been carried out for the release of Mallards (for shooting) on Special Protection Areas (SPAs) and Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) in England.
Answered on 16 Jun 2026