Sir,
Animal rights group Stop the Cull must be congratulated for highlighting that conservation involves more than hugging trees. To save our threatened species many county wildlife trusts, RSPB, WWT and the National Trust, kill predators.
We should not be surprised, gamekeepers have known for centuries that reducing predator numbers can make a big difference. During one of our experimental trials on Salisbury Plain in the 1990s, spring breeding bird numbers were increased by 36%, through the legal and humane removal of some foxes and crows.
Taking these actions may be effective but not always easy. Mike Bax, Kent Wildlife Trust chairman, should not have to resign (Head of wildlife trust faces calls to resign over hunting past - 25/3/17) because leadership is not a popularity contest.
Andrew Gilruth
Director of Communications
Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust
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