Have a look at this by RSPB Conservation Director, Martin Harper.
Here are some quotes:
Like everyone, I was surprised by Natural England’s decision to revoke the General Licence at such short notice after the legal proceedings by Wild Justice. The following media and online frenzy has thrown up so much misinformation and inaccuracies that it is hard for those not immersed in this stuff to really know what’s going on.
https://community.rspb.org.uk/ourwork/b/martinharper/posts/a-comment-on-the-fallout-from-natural-england-s-decision-to-change-wildlife-licensing-rule
So, what do I think about the current events? I see this is a positive step in the right direction (albeit imperfectly executed). We have been calling for greater clarity and have had concerns about the robustness of the licencing process for some time. Indeed, there is an argument that the entire General Licensing system is incapable of compliance with international law.
https://community.rspb.org.uk/ourwork/b/martinharper/posts/a-comment-on-the-fallout-from-natural-england-s-decision-to-change-wildlife-licensing-rule
… licences should only be issued when there is no other option, and when non-lethal alternatives have been exhausted. And that is how we have used them.
https://community.rspb.org.uk/ourwork/b/martinharper/posts/a-comment-on-the-fallout-from-natural-england-s-decision-to-change-wildlife-licensing-rule
RSPB is proud to have Chris as one of its Vice Presidents. He’s a genuinely nice guy, trying to do what is best for nature. He’s incredibly knowledgeable and passionate and is one of the UK’s foremost spokespeople on wildlife. I’m sure that if there were more people like him, then our nature would be better off.
https://community.rspb.org.uk/ourwork/b/martinharper/posts/a-comment-on-the-fallout-from-natural-england-s-decision-to-change-wildlife-licensing-rule
The legal challenge of the General Licence was not an attempt to change the law, rather ensure that it was upheld.
https://community.rspb.org.uk/ourwork/b/martinharper/posts/a-comment-on-the-fallout-from-natural-england-s-decision-to-change-wildlife-licensing-rule
RSPB is lucky to have Chris Packham as our Vice President
https://community.rspb.org.uk/ourwork/b/martinharper/posts/a-comment-on-the-fallout-from-natural-england-s-decision-to-change-wildlife-licensing-rule
Can’t argue with that – though some will, no doubt.
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I was really pleased to see this statement by Martin Harper and the RSPB yesterday. Unequivocal, straightforward and no gate sitting. Well done.
Richard – me too!
Richard, yes definitely what we need from our RSPB. More please. Would be wonderful if they published a feature on this in the next mag, and not just hide it away in a small news item.
Delighted to read such a straightforward, no nonsense statement from the RSPB. (I guess we can now expect to see another YFTB style campaign against them for daring to put their head above the parapet).
What I found particularly intriguing was his statement that – “Indeed, there is an argument that the entire General Licensing system is incapable of compliance with international law.” I wonder what he is getting at here.
I suspect that the whole issue of “quarry” species and “pest” species will have to be completely overhauled (and perhaps Schedule 1 as well). It is surely untenable that Black Grouse and Woodcock are legal quarry species and Jays and Collared Doves are “pest” species.
It’s a shame that the RSPB top brass don’t show the same passion, zeal – and courage – as Chris.
Career-wise, he has a lot to lose by showing his head above the parapet.
As ever, when it comes to controversy, the RSPB follows where others lead.
It’s good that Martin Harper has made a comment. But, alas, it veers more towards the wishy-washy than the robust.
Has it been issued to the national media or is it just buried away on the RSPB’ clunky website?
Nice to see the RSPB coming out in favour of non lethal alternatives [Mark writes: Giles you just say the same thing over and over again. Give it a rest. Well, you don’t have to, I’m giving it a rest. For those who wish to read more of Giles’s views, see the guest blog he wrote here in May 2012 https://markavery.info/2012/05/18/guest-blog-shoot-giles-bradshaw/o and this post about where not giving things a rest can get you https://markavery.info/2018/10/29/news-of-a-reader/%5D.
I am a very committed conservationist and countryside manager – and also a keen shooting enthusiast. Yes they do go hand in hand. I shoot common sustainable species and my children eat the best ‘organic’ and ‘free range’ meat obtainable. It is my qualified and experienced opinion, that certain radicalised extremists, by association, are discrediting the RSPB – an organisation which I was once keen to support. It’s official backing of Packham et al, after all the harm and negativity they caused, has only served to further alienate the ‘real countryside’ against the RSPB. The RSPB have now very publicly aligned themselves with an extreme brand of bird protectionism which is completely beyond evidence or reason. This is a great shame for all concerned. I of course expect a very negative and condemning reply to this, as has unfortunately become the norm. However, the person responding is hardly likely to have as good a view of the big picture as I have, I can assure you. These are very sad times for the RSPB. I would like to resume my support in the future, but it will take some convincing now.
A Mitcheson – thanks for your first comment here.
Avery, I now realise that you don’t have the courage or openness to post all reasonable points on here – and that you only select those which ratify your stance. This is cowardly and pointless.
A Mitcheson – you’re wrong actually.
I posted my latter message after the first did not appear within 2 days – quite reasonably assuming it had been ‘screened out’. Well done for eventually posting my initial message – I now retract the latter.
A – that’s fine. The blog was down at that time so i wasn’t paying it a great deal of attention and very few comments came through.