An imperfect storm?

It’s been a ghastly day weather-wise but I have been thinking about the storm that is coming together around raptor persecution.  I thought hard about it – it put a smile on my face. No, raptor persecution isn’t as important as climate change, or flooding, or even, to my mind, farmland bird declines – but…

Grouse moor licensing

Four weeks today we will know how many signatures have been attached to John Armitage’s e-petition on licensing of grouse moors (a policy supported by the RSPB). In the last 10 days the e-petition has really picked up speed – it’s amazing what a deadline does, isn’t it? It now stands at over 8350 signatures…

Actions speak louder than words

Have you seen the RSPB’s latest Birdcrime publication which came out in December? It’s beautifully produced and has a lot of sense in it. Here are some quotes from Martin Harper’s introduction. ‘Persecution is so common and widespread that it is the most important factor limiting populations of some treasured and iconic species,including hen harriers,…

A few things

Big Garden Birdwatch is this weekend. It’s more fun, probably, if you remember to fill your bird feeders than if you don’t! John Armitage’s e-petition on licensing of grouse moors and gamekeepers is gathering a little pace – and has passed 7,800 signatures. There are four weeks to go. If you keep meaning to sign…