Hunting and shooting play an important role in conserving rural habitats in Britain, according to new research published on Wednesday.

A new study, published today in Nature, could cause the government to increase its budget for conservation measures if hunting is banned, which means the public will pay more.

Michael White, political editor. Labour opponents of hunting with dogs are being warned that if they vote to turn the government's careful compromise into a total ban on fox hunting, the cabinet may withdraw the backing essential to the bill's success.

As custodians of over three-quarters of Britain, farmers have a huge impact on the country's biodiversity. An independent study now suggests it's those farmers who support foxhunting and game-bird shooting who do most for wildlife conservation.

Field sports can boost conservation according to a new study. The idea that hunting can benefit biodiversity has not been evaluated before, as opposed to its traditional focus on the conflicting issues of cruelty and pest control.

Roger Highfield, science editor and Charles Clover environment editor. A study today has shown that landowners involved in foxhunting and shooting preserve 10 times more woodland on their farms than those not involved in field sports. However, Alun Michael doesn't consider conservation to have any utility value.

George Jones, political editor. John Reid, the Leader of the Commons, would not guarantee the Bill would be brought back this session because of time constraints due to the situation in Iraq.

Charles Clover, environment editor. Simon Hart, currently director of the alliance's campaign for hunting, will replace Richard Burge as chief executive.

Rosemary Bennett, deputy political editor and Valerie Elliott, countryside editor. Priorities have to be set for the Hunting Bill, Communications Bill, Criminal Justice and Antisocial Behaviour Bills, Water Bill and Foundation Hospitals legislation.