22/07/2010

Charlotte Smith hears that cod stocks are once again endangered. Despite fishermen reducing their cod catch, new government research shows UK numbers are still in decline.

And as preparations are made for the shooting seasons more than 35 million pheasants will be released for shoots. The Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust estimate that around 1 million birds will survive the guns, but have problems breeding in the wild. Farming Today visits Norfolk to hear how a 3 year monitoring project could help change that. And Moira Hickey treks through the forests of Aviemore to find out how counting Capercaillie chicks could help these endangered birds recover.

Also in Scotland, new forensic science may help solve cases where birds of prey have been poisoned. The Scottish and Irish governments are to work together, using DNA techniques to track the criminals and the cross border trade in poisons.

Presenter: Charlotte Smith Producer: Melvin Rickarby.