The Eurasian woodcock is a secretive woodland wader famous for its roding display flights and a species whose welfare is tied to the management of damp deciduous woodland across Britain and beyond.
Woodcock welfare is compromised by the drainage and management of woodland soils that reduces earthworm availability. Conifer plantation forestry has replaced many traditional deciduous woodlands. The woodcock is shot in large numbers in the UK during winter, including both resident and migrant birds. High-pressure shooting of woodcock during cold weather irruptions concentrates harvest on exhausted, newly arrived migrants, raising particular welfare concerns.