HUNTERS have been asked by the Assembly to voluntarily restrain from shooting wildfowl and water birds during the cold snap.

Their shooting licences have not been revoked, but they are being told to be restrained where feeding or roosting is affected by snow and ice. Winter weather can lead to unusual movements and behaviour.

The RSPB, the British Association for Shooting and Conservation, the British Trust for Ornithology and other organisations have also asked their members and the public to minimise disturbing birds.