The outgoing Defra ministers of Liz Truss and Rory Stewart, most particularly the latter, bear much of the responsibility for the shambles that is the government approach to Hen Harrier conservation in England. After today’s withdrawal of the RSPB from the hopeless Defra Hen Harrier Inaction Plan – because it is already clear that it is not delivering anything worthwhile – we should expect a statement from Defra, but I doubt we will get one.
The RSPB were put under pressure for months and months to sign up to the Defra plan, which is the grouse shooters’ plan, and the RSPB, at the very last moment, cracked, and probably rather grumpily welcomed the ‘plan’.
Rather than building on this well-meaning but naive move, the grouse shooting industry continued its attacks on the RSPB, Chris Packham, myself and lots of others too, and forgot that the spotlight was on them to deliver on the ground. They have failed to deliver as is set out clearly in Martin Harper’s blog today.
Having delivered an inaction plan for their mates in grouse shooting, Defra moved on to deliver a rejection of the findings of the Lead Ammunition Group for their mates in shooting too. And then the two responsible, or irresponsible, ministers were promoted and don’t have to pick up the pieces.
But Defra cannot wash its hands of its own failed plan, nor of its own failure to secure the conservation status of a protected bird that is a priority for action. Just as the RSPB is right to point the finger at grouse shooting as an untrustworthy, pointless pastime so should Defra and that task now falls to the new minister Therese Coffey. Whereas the RSPB have looked overly generous and naive, Defra looks far worse than that – it looks complicit in failure unless Defra comes out today with strong words of admonition for the grouse shooting industry (it’s not an industry – it’s a pointless hobby).
Ms Coffey has to pick up the pieces and it will be interesting to see whether the Leadsom/Coffey combination can rise to the challenge. Defra forced an industry-promoted voluntary initiative on the RSPB which is now shown to be an utter failure. The industry has let Defra down and Defra is letting down the Hen Harrier. Will we hear anything from Defra today?
So, Defra, which side are you on? Remember that speech by Theresa May about being on the side of the many rather than the powerful few? Here’s your chance to live up to those fine words.
Here’s a plan to save the Hen Harrier which today, rather soon, will pass 64,000 signatures on its way to 100,000 and a debate in parliament.
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I’m not expecting much support, Mark. I suspect that the Hen Harrier will become totemic in a long struggle for the environment and wildlife conservation in a very hostile political climate.
Kevin – yes, you could be right. But we need to think how far we have come in raising awareness in a couple of years.
Mark I like your glass is half full rather than half empty approach but I fear that DEFRA with the Conservative party in charge will always support its bird killing chums. One of the reasons I support your petition is that it would publicise this bias and bring it into the open for all to see.
Nope, can’t comment on MH’s blog either.
Martin says that licensing works in other European countries. Perhaps Mark, you can inform us as to which European countries have DGS?
Also, while awaiting a comment from Defra, perhaps you would like to fill the time by inviting a comment from Mr Merricks?
Since he is so fond of brood meddling, he may also like to tell us which of the broods he is intending to meddle with this year.
For non members of the Hawk and Owl Trust who read this blog, may I just assure them that Philip Merricks does not speak for us all. In fact, it would be nice to see some past members rejoin to fight from within.
Hi Paul
To the best of my knowledge, no other European countries have driven grouse shooting.
UK driven grouse shooting is almost uniquely intensive and unregulated. Hence why we think licensing is needed.
Jeff
RSPB
Grouse shooting in the UK IS regulated – it’s called ‘the law’; it’s simply not enforced. I live within four miles of five shooting moors and have witnessed the degradation of the uplands first hand. It saddens me that that the RSPB’s policy of appeasement, dressed up as ‘compromise’ is prolonging this situation. Why can the RSPB not stand up for England’s most threatened bird and deliver on the hopes of it’s members with some strong, unequivocal leadership?
The RSPB HAS the power to mobilise it’s membership in support of a ban but is choosing not to use it. As a member of the RSPB I can see no justification for this inaction and would simply ask why?
Sorry Jeff, but why you (RSPB) think licensing is needed …. ok, c.1 million members – have you asked them?
Mark has in excess of 64,000 folk persuaded that enough is enough and time to ban the ‘sport’ and with it bad upland management practice which the public fund how many times over?
Shooter’s Lament
We grouse shooters have some gall,
You cannot trust us, not at all.
Our chaps in Defra raised the hope,
That brood meddling would soft soap,
The likes of Rory and Ms Truss.
Whilst we got on with little fuss,
With the business we like the best,
Ridding moors of every damn pest:
Hen Harriers vanish and hares destroyed,
Peregrines and kites vanish in a void,
Raptorial birds never should be seen,
In areas where grouse rule supreme.
Just pretend to care and pull the wool,
Over the eyes of those we wish to fool
But we never ever should’ve cast doubt,
On what everybody now is sure about!
Harrier decoys, pole traps in a line,
(Culprit caught yet not even a fine),
Buzzards poisoned runs true to form,
More traps found now on Cairngorm,
Hubristic provocation damn’d us to perdition,
Now more will sign Avery’s wretched petition!
64,089 !!
And the divisions on the map now go up in 50s! (Just when I had hopes of seeing the whole of Oxfordshire turn red…)
Lyn – it is slightly irritating isn’t it. But the main thing is that they are going up!
I’m sorry Mark, but every time I see a photo of Rory Stewart, I’m reminded of Alfred E Neuman! He was about as useful too!