Wild Justice wrote to Natural England and Defra last week to warn them that legal action would follow next year if they do not take account of the legal issues raised in the Wild Justice legal challenge of general licences (see Wild Justice blog with details).
Given the time that the legal process takes, and the rumoured imminence of a consultation on general licences, there is little point in going ahead with a legal challenge this year as the current temporary licences would be close to expiring and a new set being issued by the time the case was heard.
Wild Justice will seek to discuss the legal issues with government lawyers and will press for licences that are scientifically justifiable, legal and which address the genuine needs of farmers.
Thanks to the generosity of over 1100 donors Wild Justice has the funds already available and set aside to carry out a legal challenge next year.
Slightly off topic.
I noticed the other day that the DEFRA issued licences seemingly can’t be used on land designated as either or both Special Areas of Conservation and/or Special Protection Areas.
Are not a significant number of driven grouse moors in England on such land?
AnthonyB – my understanding is that they would have to apply for specific licences, but I can sympathise, to some extent, with anyone who has a legitimate need to get/use licences – it isn’t easy to understand.