Ministers have announced long-awaited plans to ban the use of shotgun pellets and bullets containing lead, a move hailed by wildlife groups. The restrictions, due to take effect over a three-year period starting in 2026, are intended to address the issue of lead pollution and its adverse effects on waterbirds and other wildlife.
The new law, as announced by Environment Minister Emma Hardy, will prohibit the use of shotgun pellets with more than 1% lead and bullets with more than 3% lead. Lead-based ammunition has been identified as a significant source of pollution, with organizations like the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust estimating that around 100,000 waterbirds in the UK die annually due to lead poisoning.
The ban is seen as a major victory for wildlife, particularly for migratory waterbirds that rely on wetlands. Birds often mistake discarded lead pellets for seeds or grit, leading to ingestion and subsequent poisoning. A 2022 study found that an overwhelming majority of pheasants killed with shotgun pellets contained lead, indicating that voluntary efforts to switch to alternative ammunition types have been largely ineffective.
The restrictions will apply in England, Scotland, and Wales, in line with recommendations by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to phase out lead ammunition over a five-year period, which followed a public consultation. However, shooting organizations such as the British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC) and the Countryside Alliance support the transition but are concerned about the reduced timeframe, citing issues with the availability of non-lead ammunition due to commercial and supply challenges.
Despite these concerns, there is broad agreement on the importance of the change for the future of shooting sports and the environment. The move away from lead ammunition is expected to benefit the countryside and the rural economy by reducing pollution and protecting wildlife. Non-lead alternatives are available, and the government is committed to working with the shooting sector throughout the transition period. The RSPB, a leading bird conservation charity, has welcomed the move, though it noted that a full ban would have been preferable. Exemptions will be made for certain uses, such as outdoor shooting of permitted birds and animals with small-calibre bullets, as well as airguns and specialized uses by elite athletes, the military, police, and in target shooting ranges with safety measures.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/jul/10/lead-ammunition-ban-hunting-shooting-england-scotland-wales
