Wildlife advocate Sacha Dench honoured for ammunition toxicity campaign

Sacha Dench, known for his high-profile advocacy for bird conservation, has been awarded the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) Medal in recognition of his sustained campaign against the use of lead ammunition in field sports. The honour reflects his commitment to addressing a significant but often overlooked threat to wildlife across Europe and beyond.

Dench's campaign has focused on documenting the widespread contamination caused by lead shot and bullets that remain in the environment following hunting and shooting activities. The residual lead enters food chains when scavengers consume carcasses left in fields, leading to poisoning of eagles, vultures, and other bird species that feed on game remains.

The conservationist's work has contributed to growing momentum for legislative action on the issue across multiple countries. Several European nations have already implemented or are considering bans on lead ammunition, with advocates arguing that non-toxic alternatives are readily available and cost-effective.

The RSPB Medal is among the most respected conservation honours, awarded annually to individuals who have made exceptional contributions to bird protection and environmental advocacy. Dench's recognition underscores the increasing international focus on eliminating lead ammunition as a public health and wildlife welfare priority.