North Yorkshire police should be congratulated for investigating the loss of a hen harrier (Police on the trail as wild bird vanishes, Nov 14). This is important but there is nothing unusual about losing large numbers of young harriers. On Orkney, where there are no grouse moors, 68% were lost in their first year.
In this case the evidence must be compelling, but it’s ironic that it has been provided by the RSPB, an organisation that is currently taking the government to court to try and prevent plans to recover the species. The RSPB is objecting to the trial of brood management, a conservation measure successfully used in France to remove the conflict that arises when lowland harriers nest in fields of corn. It involves removing harrier chicks from nests and looking after them until they are released back into the wild.
Andrew Gilruth
Director of communications at Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust
Related reading - Stoat control benefits threatened species: Our letter to The Times >
What do we do?
- We use science to promote game and wildlife management as an essential part of nature conservation.
- We develop scientifically researched game and wildlife management techniques.
- We promote our work to conservationists, including farmers and landowners and offer an on-site advisory service on all aspects of game and wildlife management, so that Britain’s countryside and its wildlife are enhanced for the public benefit.
- We influence government policy with sound science that creates progressive and effective policies.
- We support best practice for field sports that contribute to improving the biodiversity of the countryside.
Donate by Credit or Debit Card >>
Got a PayPal account? Donate faster here:
What do we believe?
- Scientific research should underpin sustainable conservation practice.
- Game and wildlife management is the foundation of good conservation.
- Field sports (in particular shooting and fishing) can contribute substantially to the conservation of landscape, habitat and wildlife.
- Humane and targeted predator control is an essential part of effective game and wildlife conservation.
- We utterly oppose those who engage in wildlife crime.
- Good conservation goes hand-in-hand with economic land use.
How your money is spent
- We spent over £5m on vital game and wildlife research and public education in 2017.
Donate by Credit or Debit Card >>
Got a PayPal account? Donate faster here: