2021

Policy makers must broaden their view of upland management.

Natural England have reported another increase in the number of breeding Hen Harriers in England, with 31 breeding attempts, 24 of which were successful, fledging 84 chicks.

The recent debate on driven grouse shooting revealed two very different attitudes to management. Those opposed to banning grouse shooting regard the management of grouse moors as a constructive action supporting biodiversity and other public goods and services; those supporting a ban see management as artificial and destructive. So who is right?

“What is not clear is that banning driven grouse shooting would be good for the environment: in fact, I think that, on balance, it would be harmful”, said Tom Hunt, MP for Ipswich as he drew Monday’s Westminster Hall debate on the future of driven grouse shooting to a close. Across an hour and a half, members of Parliament shared their views on the Wild Justice petition to ban driven grouse shooting.

Politicians will soon be debating a petition launched by Chris Packham, Ruth Tingay and Mark Avery of Wild Justice, titled ‘Ban Driven Grouse Shooting - Wilful blindness is no longer an option.’

Two years after the General Licence fiasco, Defra has announced here that it has taken control of heather burning too – another complex issue that some have repeatedly oversimplified. The RSPB, which has championed extensive restrictions, has been clear that the announcement is “not what was promised”.

Hen harriers in England have just enjoyed their best breeding season in three decades but beating last year’s record of 60 chicks, from 24 nests.