ShootHub Podcast: Do Released Game Birds Really Harm Insects?

In this episode of the ShootHub Podcast, Dr Rufus Sage, a researcher with 30 years' experience in game bird ecology at the GWCT, discusses his newly published report on the impact of released game birds on invertebrate populations.

Drawing on two previously unpublished PhD studies, Sage explains why the evidence shows little measurable effect on insects away from release pens and feed sites, findings that quietly complicate assumptions popularised by the BBC's Secret Garden series. The conversation also touches on a separate, surprising study into fox activity near release sites, and what responsible game management looks like in practice.

How to listen to The ShootHub Podcast 

The ShootHub Podcast is available wherever you get your podcasts, including Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Simply search for 'The ShootHub Podcast' on your platform of choice, or use the embedded players below.