Wildlife

Greylag Goose Welfare in UK Waterways and Grassland

Understanding the welfare and management challenges of expanding greylag populations.

Key Facts

UK greylag populations have grown substantially — largely through non-migratory feral birds
They graze intensively on grassland near water — creating habitat management conflicts
Migratory birds from Iceland winter in Scotland and northern England
Population management through egg oiling and lethal control is used in some areas

Welfare Considerations

Greylag goose welfare involves both the welfare of individual birds and the ecological welfare of habitat they graze. Management interventions including egg oiling affect reproductive welfare. Where lethal control is used, welfare standards require approved methods and skill to minimise suffering. Welfare-informed management prioritises non-lethal approaches where they can achieve management objectives.

What You Can Do

Report greylag goose numbers to wetland bird surveys contributing to population monitoring
Advocate for non-lethal management approaches as the first resort in conflict situations
Support habitat management that reduces grazing conflicts without harming goose welfare