Way back in May ( the 21st ) I wrote a Blog about a Roe Deer which had become suspended on a barbed wire fence at Spurn. I'm at Spurn again for a period of time and was more than a little surprised to come across the individual concerned again the other morning.
Taking a usual walk down North Fields to the coast and Kilnsea Wetlands I first saw a Roe buck, then a healthy doe and then, out of nowhere, but with a jaunty gait nonetheless, appeared the injured female. Not something I would have ever expected as I had presumed that, sadly, the individual would have died through infection or an inability to look after itself. But here it was ! Brilliant.
The leg is still bereft of muscle or tissue and flaps around loosely, presumably because it was also broken at the joint originally. Despite its awkward gait it kept up with the other two and even negotiated a wire fence, although with some difficulty. I guess this might be the cause of its eventual demise as it obviously can't lift the "loose leg" when jumping, somewhat ironic really.
But let's celebrate the current situation and pass thanks again to Steve Exley whose sterling efforts at releasing the animal has given it at least another summer of freedom.
Wednesday, August 22, 2018
Wednesday, August 1, 2018
Hen Harrier breeding success.......where now lies the future?
I've spent the morning reading the various press releases and responses to the news relating to the outcome of this seasons's Hen Harrier breeding attempts ( 34 young produced ). Whilst I would be the first to shout with joy at any increase in the number of young produced and to acknowledge the hard work put in by those "on the ground" directly associated with these attempts, many of the accompanying comments are largely band wagon, facile utterances.
Setting aside their "positive" comments, the shooting fraternity ( once the untruths have been set aside) will be relieved the number of pairs, and young, is so low. Equally, given their stance on various past aspects, the comments from Natural England ring hollow in my opinion and represent an element of their expressed relief as opposed to celebrating success . The run of the mill response from the RSPB could have been one of two, written in advance, dependent on the eventual outcome. The truth of the matter is that the situation still is shamefully low set against what should be the real number of harriers in our uplands and their corresponding productivity. Having been much involved in protection measures in the past I would defend the volunteers and others involved to the death and in no way seek to demean what I know will have been hard fought for. But we have to avoid this being a Pyrrhic victory and certainly shouldn't allow those outwith conservation to talk up the matter. The fact is key agencies should seize this occasion to wage war on the perpetrators of persecution and commit to this as a consistent, long term strategy. Set aside the unproductive meetings in smoke-filled rooms resulting in little more than the subject being kicked into the long grass . Enough is enough and the issue should be confronted and presented to the grouse moor owners directly regardless of the furor that might ensue.
As the premier bird protection agency in the UK I wonder, other than the absolute sterling work undertaken by its Investigations Section, what the general policies and intentions are of the RSPB in this regard in the future. The seemingly "cautious conservation " policies now pursued by the Management Team and Council, bereft of any campaigning zeal or declared intent, run counter to its past reputation and successes and to the actions many of its members would wish it to take.
The outcome of the current season , and the sheer effort and dedication taken to achieve it all, should be acknowledged as a platform upon which to launch a Herculean effort to bring the current shameful situation to an end. Much rests with the RSPB in this regard in my opinion. The future situation with respect to Natural England appears bleak at best and its operational potential drastically restricted.
May I leave readers with one thought! In 1981 a survey of Hen Harriers in the Forest of Bowland determined there was around 40 active nests. That figure dropped dramatically ( due to persecution ) in the 80's, but was fought for and resulted in over 20 youngsters being reared each season into the early 2000' s. 1981 might be a long time ago, 2005- 2010 isn't. Bowland was a stronghold then and should be so now. A new era of "thinking" must emerge and a strategy developed across a variety of fronts, each pursued with equal vigour. Scotland does seem to have led the way a little in recent times and emulating their success and pursuing the same goals ought to be a part of any approach taken. Natural England needs to bone up too and pursue a far less "wet willy" line with moorland owners. The fact that a series of outside initiatives from groups and individuals has emerged ( good! ) is also an indication that the centralized bodies are not delivering to the extent of our expectations. Worth reflecting on.
Setting aside their "positive" comments, the shooting fraternity ( once the untruths have been set aside) will be relieved the number of pairs, and young, is so low. Equally, given their stance on various past aspects, the comments from Natural England ring hollow in my opinion and represent an element of their expressed relief as opposed to celebrating success . The run of the mill response from the RSPB could have been one of two, written in advance, dependent on the eventual outcome. The truth of the matter is that the situation still is shamefully low set against what should be the real number of harriers in our uplands and their corresponding productivity. Having been much involved in protection measures in the past I would defend the volunteers and others involved to the death and in no way seek to demean what I know will have been hard fought for. But we have to avoid this being a Pyrrhic victory and certainly shouldn't allow those outwith conservation to talk up the matter. The fact is key agencies should seize this occasion to wage war on the perpetrators of persecution and commit to this as a consistent, long term strategy. Set aside the unproductive meetings in smoke-filled rooms resulting in little more than the subject being kicked into the long grass . Enough is enough and the issue should be confronted and presented to the grouse moor owners directly regardless of the furor that might ensue.
As the premier bird protection agency in the UK I wonder, other than the absolute sterling work undertaken by its Investigations Section, what the general policies and intentions are of the RSPB in this regard in the future. The seemingly "cautious conservation " policies now pursued by the Management Team and Council, bereft of any campaigning zeal or declared intent, run counter to its past reputation and successes and to the actions many of its members would wish it to take.
The outcome of the current season , and the sheer effort and dedication taken to achieve it all, should be acknowledged as a platform upon which to launch a Herculean effort to bring the current shameful situation to an end. Much rests with the RSPB in this regard in my opinion. The future situation with respect to Natural England appears bleak at best and its operational potential drastically restricted.
May I leave readers with one thought! In 1981 a survey of Hen Harriers in the Forest of Bowland determined there was around 40 active nests. That figure dropped dramatically ( due to persecution ) in the 80's, but was fought for and resulted in over 20 youngsters being reared each season into the early 2000' s. 1981 might be a long time ago, 2005- 2010 isn't. Bowland was a stronghold then and should be so now. A new era of "thinking" must emerge and a strategy developed across a variety of fronts, each pursued with equal vigour. Scotland does seem to have led the way a little in recent times and emulating their success and pursuing the same goals ought to be a part of any approach taken. Natural England needs to bone up too and pursue a far less "wet willy" line with moorland owners. The fact that a series of outside initiatives from groups and individuals has emerged ( good! ) is also an indication that the centralized bodies are not delivering to the extent of our expectations. Worth reflecting on.
Thursday, May 24, 2018
A policy that did change !
Yesterday saw various sections of barbed wire had been removed around fields on the Spurn Penninsula, a commendable response from the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust Ltd. From personal experience such is not a nice job, or a quick one for that matter, so the final outcome might take a little while !
Apparently a single strand will remain across the top of the fence line as an experiment ( per a Facebook entry ). Such is common practice where cattle are present and, given the area has seen both Long-horned and Highland cattle present in the past, one can only imagine this is providing for future management approaches. It must also be remembered that appointed graziers can offer opinion as to the provisions around areas where their stock will eventually be present. An additional modification that might be considered at some future point is the installation of "deer gates". Simply a location where the fence line height is lowered slightly and wooden protection is placed across the wire which allows deer to leap across the fence more easily and safely, which they soon become habituated to.
However, overall, the area has the developing potential to be safer for wildlife than previously, which is surely what everyone wanted.
Apparently a single strand will remain across the top of the fence line as an experiment ( per a Facebook entry ). Such is common practice where cattle are present and, given the area has seen both Long-horned and Highland cattle present in the past, one can only imagine this is providing for future management approaches. It must also be remembered that appointed graziers can offer opinion as to the provisions around areas where their stock will eventually be present. An additional modification that might be considered at some future point is the installation of "deer gates". Simply a location where the fence line height is lowered slightly and wooden protection is placed across the wire which allows deer to leap across the fence more easily and safely, which they soon become habituated to.
However, overall, the area has the developing potential to be safer for wildlife than previously, which is surely what everyone wanted.
Monday, May 21, 2018
A policy in need of change.
I've been staying near Spurn NNR for a few days enjoying excellent weather and a steady flow of birds ! Sadly this idyll was interrupted last Friday with an incident involving a Roe Deer which had been caught up on a barbed wire fence, and has caused yet another outcry for change!
I witnessed the whole episode, admittedly not visually , but aurally via the radio network that is operated by the Observatory as I was driving back towards Kilnsea. A report,via the radio system , pinpointed the incident as being north of the new Yorkshire Wildlife Trust Centre along one of the field systems nearby to the Canal Zone. This wouldn't reach the YWT at this point as a different channel /wavelength is used by them. Local birder, Steve Exley, sprang into action, went to the site with the intent of releasing the hapless animal whilst Johnnie Fisk ( Spurn Bird Observatory ) undertook to advise the YWT.
The sight was not for the faint-hearted with the animal firmly secured to the barbed wire fence , having stripped off the skin and muscle from its lower, rear left leg. Steve Exley managed to release it but the animal escaped in the immediate aftermath, doubtless to endure a drawn out period of suffering before an inevitable death. It was some time before I visited the general vicinity when, of course, everything had subsided, although a staff member from the Centre was patrolling the road by bicycle anxiously looking out over the fields, although I doubt the animal would have been mobile. A sad incident which seems likely to be repeated unless action is taken.
This is not the first time such an incident has occurred. Previous victims have included Mute Swan, Little Egret, Cormorant and, of course, Roe Deer. Whilst the Trust use sheep to "manage" some of its grassland areas the fencing specification doesn't need to match that required by the presence of Charolais cattle !! Some time ago a small number of Long- horned cattle were present in the area but a considerable time has elapsed since then within which the problem has emerged and a sufficient time has passed for the fencing to be modified.
If looked at "from the outside" the simple interpretation arrived at by the public is "why is the Trust utilising an excessive amount of barbed wire in an area pledged to protect wildlife when it is seen to be putting such wildlife at risk". The ambiguity is automatic ! If a policy was arrived at in the past and has since been seen to be wanting , then review it and effect the necessary changes. It's not enough to claim to be a guardian of wildlife, but to do what is necessary to promote that role and in its widest context. Over the past three years I understand that complaints have been submitted and the matter raised generally on numerous occasions. Sadly nothing appears to have changed . As a custodian and owner of a national nature reserve and adjacent designated areas, the management techniques employed for these should be beyond reproach and meet not just the formal requirements,. but the expectations of the public too. Despite the complaints of the past, no explanation has been forthcoming as to the continued need for the barbed wire or why it is retained. Regrettably, the whole issue appears to have been consigned to the back burner and treated with studied indifference !
I witnessed the whole episode, admittedly not visually , but aurally via the radio network that is operated by the Observatory as I was driving back towards Kilnsea. A report,via the radio system , pinpointed the incident as being north of the new Yorkshire Wildlife Trust Centre along one of the field systems nearby to the Canal Zone. This wouldn't reach the YWT at this point as a different channel /wavelength is used by them. Local birder, Steve Exley, sprang into action, went to the site with the intent of releasing the hapless animal whilst Johnnie Fisk ( Spurn Bird Observatory ) undertook to advise the YWT.
The sight was not for the faint-hearted with the animal firmly secured to the barbed wire fence , having stripped off the skin and muscle from its lower, rear left leg. Steve Exley managed to release it but the animal escaped in the immediate aftermath, doubtless to endure a drawn out period of suffering before an inevitable death. It was some time before I visited the general vicinity when, of course, everything had subsided, although a staff member from the Centre was patrolling the road by bicycle anxiously looking out over the fields, although I doubt the animal would have been mobile. A sad incident which seems likely to be repeated unless action is taken.
This is not the first time such an incident has occurred. Previous victims have included Mute Swan, Little Egret, Cormorant and, of course, Roe Deer. Whilst the Trust use sheep to "manage" some of its grassland areas the fencing specification doesn't need to match that required by the presence of Charolais cattle !! Some time ago a small number of Long- horned cattle were present in the area but a considerable time has elapsed since then within which the problem has emerged and a sufficient time has passed for the fencing to be modified.
If looked at "from the outside" the simple interpretation arrived at by the public is "why is the Trust utilising an excessive amount of barbed wire in an area pledged to protect wildlife when it is seen to be putting such wildlife at risk". The ambiguity is automatic ! If a policy was arrived at in the past and has since been seen to be wanting , then review it and effect the necessary changes. It's not enough to claim to be a guardian of wildlife, but to do what is necessary to promote that role and in its widest context. Over the past three years I understand that complaints have been submitted and the matter raised generally on numerous occasions. Sadly nothing appears to have changed . As a custodian and owner of a national nature reserve and adjacent designated areas, the management techniques employed for these should be beyond reproach and meet not just the formal requirements,. but the expectations of the public too. Despite the complaints of the past, no explanation has been forthcoming as to the continued need for the barbed wire or why it is retained. Regrettably, the whole issue appears to have been consigned to the back burner and treated with studied indifference !
Wednesday, April 25, 2018
One of Yorkshire's finest.
Tomorrow marks the occasion of David ( Dave ) Standring's funeral , which sadly I can't attend. Whilst most people in attendance will remember him from within the last 30/40 years, my earliest recollections are from a time when I was still at school ! He was older than myself, extremely knowledgeable, and. therefore, took on a role of mentor, a state of affairs that I guess many other people have gained benefit from throughout the years.
We both lived off Racecommon Road in Barnsley and Sunday mornings would often see a successive pilgrimage begin to form as David called in to collect myself, David Ashurst and Malcolm Rhymer, who also lived nearby, on the way to Worsborough Reservoir. We'd invariably meet up with Alan Archer, Colin Bower and Mike Clegg before walking up the valley to Rockley Dam. Our return journey around midday would then see us catching buses to either Wintersett Reservoir or Wath Ings. We were also members of the Barnsley Naturalist and Scientific Society , although you could probably cram all the birders in the Barnsley area into a single minibus in those days! I benefited greatly from knowing those individuals, their knowledge of the area and what appeared to be infinite expertise. I was introduced to Wath Ings, Spurn and "the moors". The latter involved a bus journey to the Flouch, beyond Penistone, a walk around Langsett Reservoir, then on to Midhope and Ewden , with a thorough scrutiny of the Broomhead area , before walking down to Deepcar at the end of the day to get transport back to town ! Great days, if not a little exhausting at times. I found an old diary recently from 1957/58 which catalogues the frequent visits made to Worsborough and elsewhere, Patchwork in the making !! As you might imagine David was a regular participant in all such activities.
Within this atmosphere one thing always stood out. David's utter curiosity, focus and, above all else , enthusiasm, characteristics that never went away. Gradually we started to explore more widely. One trip involved Geoff Aynsley ( driver ), Bill Curtis, David and myself and a winter expedition to the Solway in January, 1963. We "lived" in a Ford car for the weekend, got chased off the newly formed Caerlaverock Reserve, but such was the enthusiasm on show ( doubtless from David ) that the warden ( E.L. Roberts ?) gave us a telling off but then took us on a tour of the reserve in his Landrover ! Little did we know that that weekend would see the start of the two month long severe winter in store for the country. The journey back was a bit of a nightmare ( there were no motorways in place then of course ! ).!
In the early sixties my parents moved house to straight opposite what is now Carlton Marsh. How different it was then ! I began to visit Wintersett regularly and lost some contact with the Barnsley birders ( we're talking of an era when walking or cycling were usually the options on offer ! ). Shortly after then I moved to London, was abroad, until returning in the seventies. Contact was infrequent , usually at Spurn or Wintersett , but always picked up from a precise point at which any conversation had ended previously. Such was the case for many years until I moved back to Barnsley around a couple of years ago. Previous to then I'd had a long chat with David,whilst at Spurn, about my moving back to Yorkshire from Islay and he was heavily persuasive in his case that I could do no better than choose "the old area". He was right, of course , and his enthusiasm won through !
Milestones stand out : being introduced to Wath Ings, watching Nightjars at Dovecliff, seawatching at Spurn and much , much more. Whilst recent years have not provided the opportunities for contact that they might have done due to work, living away , family matters and so on, what has carried over from those early halcyon days is the sheer joy and enthusiasm that David simply poured out when birds and other wildlife were the focus of attention and that nobody else could avoid embracing. I suspect many of us were natural converts and have, ourselves, benefited.
Like Yorkshire tea and Tetleys beer surely David must also qualify as one of Yorkshire's Finest
Friday, March 30, 2018
Golden Eagles.....cautionary advice from someone who really knows.
May I urge everyone to read a Blog entry from friend and past colleague, Dave Dick. Whilst it refers to South Scotland and the reintroduction of Golden Eagles , its wise words have much wider applicability. Such proposals come with a costly price tag attached, money that one imagines might be better routed elsewhere. Personally I would rather see all such Government monies going in the direction of RSPB's Investigations Section , at least for a period, with a strict caveat that such was spent on new staff and work associated directly with raptor persecution incidents . I'm sure DD would have a view on the matter.
Follow the given link and enjoy The Zoo Keepers
And as you'll gather from the stare that meets you, it's best to tell the truth !!
Follow the given link and enjoy The Zoo Keepers
And as you'll gather from the stare that meets you, it's best to tell the truth !!
Friday, March 23, 2018
Ban Driven Grouse Shooting .........NOW !
There was a time when I believed an outright ban on driven grouse shooting was premature and that , at least for a period, a consideration of licensing might be the best way forward. That led me to issuing an E-petition calling for the licensing of both grouse moors and gamekeepers. This garnered over 10.000 signatures and, as a result, earned an utterly lame response from the Government!
I've wrestled with this subject ever since, repeatedly setting it aside in the fervent hope that the seemingly never ending calls for change would result in positive responses. There has been none !
It is now my absolute belief that there will be no willing expressions for change. The shooting fraternity has achieved a deliberate objective in decimating the Hen Harrier population . Persecution of that species and many other raptor species continues, despite them being especially protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981), and there is clearly no intention or willingness to see any different circumstances apply.
There are some who say that it's not all estates or shooters who are to blame. However, other than the very occasional cautionary statement, there are no equivalent calls for persecution to end. So where are the cries of opposition to persecution from within this peer group's members and their condemnation of this alleged minority accompanied by calls for restraint ? The shooting fraternity currently has the situation where they want it, having brought the English breeding population to its knees. Three pairs of nesting Hen Harriers in 2017 when there should be 300 !! Muted calls for improvement are not enough and, therefore, the time has come for equivalent opposition to be raised against this selfish, self serving activity and without delay !
With the RSPB continually dithering and giving no unequivocal lead to its million plus members regarding actions they might take, it is now up to all of us to register, on an independent basis, full opposition to the negative effects arising from grouse management activities.
Vested interests, commercial greed and Government intransigence are all playing a part in sustaining the continuing persecution of our raptors. It remains our responsibility to press for change , the first action being signing the current E-petition by Gavin Gamble Ban driven grouse shooting
Thanks for your help.
I've wrestled with this subject ever since, repeatedly setting it aside in the fervent hope that the seemingly never ending calls for change would result in positive responses. There has been none !
It is now my absolute belief that there will be no willing expressions for change. The shooting fraternity has achieved a deliberate objective in decimating the Hen Harrier population . Persecution of that species and many other raptor species continues, despite them being especially protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981), and there is clearly no intention or willingness to see any different circumstances apply.
There are some who say that it's not all estates or shooters who are to blame. However, other than the very occasional cautionary statement, there are no equivalent calls for persecution to end. So where are the cries of opposition to persecution from within this peer group's members and their condemnation of this alleged minority accompanied by calls for restraint ? The shooting fraternity currently has the situation where they want it, having brought the English breeding population to its knees. Three pairs of nesting Hen Harriers in 2017 when there should be 300 !! Muted calls for improvement are not enough and, therefore, the time has come for equivalent opposition to be raised against this selfish, self serving activity and without delay !
With the RSPB continually dithering and giving no unequivocal lead to its million plus members regarding actions they might take, it is now up to all of us to register, on an independent basis, full opposition to the negative effects arising from grouse management activities.
Vested interests, commercial greed and Government intransigence are all playing a part in sustaining the continuing persecution of our raptors. It remains our responsibility to press for change , the first action being signing the current E-petition by Gavin Gamble Ban driven grouse shooting
Thanks for your help.
Tuesday, March 20, 2018
Gavin Gamble's E-petition.
This morning Gavin Gamble's E-petition calling for a ban on grouse shooting currently has 38,237 signatures. Time still remains for signatures to be added. Have you signed ?
Now, a personal admission ! Due to a variety of personal situations last year I'm afraid my level of application to such things was less than perfect. Recently I checked two current E-petitions to see if I had signed. I believed I had, but I hadn't !! Setting the jokes aside this is an easy thing which can happen. You believe you've signed, reassure yourself repeatedly, but actually haven't done a thing.
So, folks, if there is any chance you been serious in intent , but hesitant on follow through, could I suggest you just check. It's easy and results in a simple, polite message confirming you've already signed if such is the case.
Gavin Gamble's E-petition, check or sign here E-petition link
Whilst it's likely only the odd signature will be garnered in this way, better to check now than discover the time limit has expired.
Now, a personal admission ! Due to a variety of personal situations last year I'm afraid my level of application to such things was less than perfect. Recently I checked two current E-petitions to see if I had signed. I believed I had, but I hadn't !! Setting the jokes aside this is an easy thing which can happen. You believe you've signed, reassure yourself repeatedly, but actually haven't done a thing.
So, folks, if there is any chance you been serious in intent , but hesitant on follow through, could I suggest you just check. It's easy and results in a simple, polite message confirming you've already signed if such is the case.
Gavin Gamble's E-petition, check or sign here E-petition link
Whilst it's likely only the odd signature will be garnered in this way, better to check now than discover the time limit has expired.
Thursday, March 15, 2018
Can more be done for Hen Harriers?
Well, in my opinion, the answer is "Yes", much more ! But let's look at some of the background information.
Being "marooned" in Scotland recently due to the bad weather my mind wandered over a variety of subjects, including raptor persecution. For example, why is it that the most overt campaigning for change is apparently being carried out by individuals or independent groups as opposed to the RSPB, and that support from the latter is modest to say the least? I idly speculated that, perhaps, more draconian measures were being imposed nowadays by the Charity Commissioners and this limited a charity's involvement. An examination of their guidance to all charities makes it clear that political activity is countenanced, but that such should not be the sole activity in which they are engaged. So why, when raptor persecution incidents are still occurring at an undiminished rate, is there not an absolute uproar being organized and robust and unrelenting pressure being put on our elected representatives at Westminster? After all, the oft quoted membership of the Society is a potential force to be reckoned with if collectively organized ! Why does public campaigning for change figure so modestly in RSPB's activities nowadays compared to yesteryear? This may be a deliberate choice, poorly communicated to an otherwise expectant membership.
Nowadays I spend most of my time travelling around birding ( lucky me ! ) and bump into a lot of people raising the self same questions and concerns. These are respectable folk, not hotheads, but folk who are disappointed and bewildered. The usual support and recognition is forthcoming towards the quality of the Society's work associated with research, reserve management, advisory services, policy assessment and , particularly, investigations work. Beyond this there's usually a quiet confession that the Society no longer appears to have the stomach for a major confrontation and worries are expressed that the "harrier situation" appears to have been sidelined in terms of being a major priority.
Whether the current stance of the Society stems from a belief that robust campaigning is not the most effective means to employ in seeking change, the support for and the progress achieved by Mark Avery's E-petition demonstrated otherwise. And the RSPB was nonetheless willing to be involved in the final part of the process held at Westminster ! The rather lukewarm support offered towards the current E-petition relating to the licensing of grouse moors, which the RSPB claims to advocate as a solution, is yet another ill defined position. What is going on and what is the problem ? Whether the RSPB is prepared to accept the situation or not , there is a credibility problem arising that needs closing down or otherwise the "Protection of Birds" description becomes a misnomer. Why does the Society's position relating to raptor persecution in England appear so weak and cautious ? There are far too many adverse comments arising on the Society's position, which shouldn't be the case given the RSPB is seen by many as the organization who ought to be leading from the front. Within all this, the sterling work of the Society's Investigations Section goes on undiminished and should be extended, congratulated, but also act as a "beacon" of what ought to be happening in other spheres. If the current level of activity is deemed sufficient then I confess my personal feelings move towards those of the disaffected, underpinned by a great disappointment too.
Amidst all this the Hen Harrier breeding population in England remains at rock bottom !! I'm sure all those responsible for its demise are quite happy at the situation "remaining in the long grass" and efforts being confined to internecine battles about reports, membership of Working Groups and so on .
Setting aside the ideas of Natural England as being worthy of attributing to Lewis Carroll's creative genius it's nonetheless encouraging to see the RSPB joining the ranks of those opposing the licence provisions currently being dealt with in connection with the brood management proposals. More of the same please !
But, in my view, there is a clear need to demonstrate the depth of feeling and revulsion toward raptor persecution on a once and for all basis , and in a wholly collective sense. The current Government are clearly unwilling to consider action on the matter and, therefore, that position should be exposed as being utterly unacceptable by the organization of the public's opposition. Recent E-petitions have provided more than sufficient evidence of the depth of feeling " out in the country". Harnessing collective opinion , including involving the RSPB's own membership in administering the process, overtly and robustly, could provide a once and for all demonstration of the level of opposition against those responsible and include a clear call for change. The ultimate objective should be a statement from the Secretary of State for the Environment, Michael Gove, admitting to being absolutely deluged by correspondence on the matter and promising the matter will be dealt with properly!! This is an opportunity for the RSPB to reestablish its obvious position of being the organization occupying the most formal position where campaigning for bird protection matters are concerned. This, in recent times, appears to have suffered from some sort of dilution, which most people find both irritating and confusing.
Whilst it doesn't give me any particular pleasure being critical about an organization which performs so well in many other spheres in conservation, there is a need for the RSPB to adopt a more buoyant and proactive position on this issue. It's not a question of swimming against the tide either, there's a body of support willing you on "out there" , but wondering why things appear so modest . C'mon RSPB, you're needed, time for heads to appear above the parapet !!
Being "marooned" in Scotland recently due to the bad weather my mind wandered over a variety of subjects, including raptor persecution. For example, why is it that the most overt campaigning for change is apparently being carried out by individuals or independent groups as opposed to the RSPB, and that support from the latter is modest to say the least? I idly speculated that, perhaps, more draconian measures were being imposed nowadays by the Charity Commissioners and this limited a charity's involvement. An examination of their guidance to all charities makes it clear that political activity is countenanced, but that such should not be the sole activity in which they are engaged. So why, when raptor persecution incidents are still occurring at an undiminished rate, is there not an absolute uproar being organized and robust and unrelenting pressure being put on our elected representatives at Westminster? After all, the oft quoted membership of the Society is a potential force to be reckoned with if collectively organized ! Why does public campaigning for change figure so modestly in RSPB's activities nowadays compared to yesteryear? This may be a deliberate choice, poorly communicated to an otherwise expectant membership.
Nowadays I spend most of my time travelling around birding ( lucky me ! ) and bump into a lot of people raising the self same questions and concerns. These are respectable folk, not hotheads, but folk who are disappointed and bewildered. The usual support and recognition is forthcoming towards the quality of the Society's work associated with research, reserve management, advisory services, policy assessment and , particularly, investigations work. Beyond this there's usually a quiet confession that the Society no longer appears to have the stomach for a major confrontation and worries are expressed that the "harrier situation" appears to have been sidelined in terms of being a major priority.
Whether the current stance of the Society stems from a belief that robust campaigning is not the most effective means to employ in seeking change, the support for and the progress achieved by Mark Avery's E-petition demonstrated otherwise. And the RSPB was nonetheless willing to be involved in the final part of the process held at Westminster ! The rather lukewarm support offered towards the current E-petition relating to the licensing of grouse moors, which the RSPB claims to advocate as a solution, is yet another ill defined position. What is going on and what is the problem ? Whether the RSPB is prepared to accept the situation or not , there is a credibility problem arising that needs closing down or otherwise the "Protection of Birds" description becomes a misnomer. Why does the Society's position relating to raptor persecution in England appear so weak and cautious ? There are far too many adverse comments arising on the Society's position, which shouldn't be the case given the RSPB is seen by many as the organization who ought to be leading from the front. Within all this, the sterling work of the Society's Investigations Section goes on undiminished and should be extended, congratulated, but also act as a "beacon" of what ought to be happening in other spheres. If the current level of activity is deemed sufficient then I confess my personal feelings move towards those of the disaffected, underpinned by a great disappointment too.
Amidst all this the Hen Harrier breeding population in England remains at rock bottom !! I'm sure all those responsible for its demise are quite happy at the situation "remaining in the long grass" and efforts being confined to internecine battles about reports, membership of Working Groups and so on .
Setting aside the ideas of Natural England as being worthy of attributing to Lewis Carroll's creative genius it's nonetheless encouraging to see the RSPB joining the ranks of those opposing the licence provisions currently being dealt with in connection with the brood management proposals. More of the same please !
But, in my view, there is a clear need to demonstrate the depth of feeling and revulsion toward raptor persecution on a once and for all basis , and in a wholly collective sense. The current Government are clearly unwilling to consider action on the matter and, therefore, that position should be exposed as being utterly unacceptable by the organization of the public's opposition. Recent E-petitions have provided more than sufficient evidence of the depth of feeling " out in the country". Harnessing collective opinion , including involving the RSPB's own membership in administering the process, overtly and robustly, could provide a once and for all demonstration of the level of opposition against those responsible and include a clear call for change. The ultimate objective should be a statement from the Secretary of State for the Environment, Michael Gove, admitting to being absolutely deluged by correspondence on the matter and promising the matter will be dealt with properly!! This is an opportunity for the RSPB to reestablish its obvious position of being the organization occupying the most formal position where campaigning for bird protection matters are concerned. This, in recent times, appears to have suffered from some sort of dilution, which most people find both irritating and confusing.
Whilst it doesn't give me any particular pleasure being critical about an organization which performs so well in many other spheres in conservation, there is a need for the RSPB to adopt a more buoyant and proactive position on this issue. It's not a question of swimming against the tide either, there's a body of support willing you on "out there" , but wondering why things appear so modest . C'mon RSPB, you're needed, time for heads to appear above the parapet !!
Friday, March 9, 2018
Gorgeous Galloway.
No, not George, but the place, the weather and the overall atmosphere. For a final day conditions couldn't have been better and certainly have portrayed the area at its best ! I'd promised myself to do a full circuit of Loch Ryan, as previously, as I had odd things to complete this afternoon.
Red-throated and Great Northern Divers. Long-tailed Duck, Scaup, Wigeon, Great Crested Grebe, Eider, Goldeneye , Shelduck ,and a nice variety of waders to compliment the haul, provided an apt and satisfying end to a great week. Whilst there are certain things I've missed, there are other experiences that I shall continue to savor. Due to the weather, both in Scotland and elsewhere over the past couple of weeks, I'm loathe to suggest whether some things are on the move or not. Certainly duck numbers aren't high and the LB Brent Geese appear to have disappeared over the past few days ( but Loch Ryan is a BIG place ! ) . Certainly the nice warm weather this morning had countless common birds in song, but I wouldn't be foolish enough to suggest we've turned any corners !!!!
Within the past couple of weeks a variety of things has emerged that link to Hen Harriers. Being up here , ( with plenty of "down time" at the beginning of the holiday ) , I've mused over a wide range of relevant topics connected with the current political scene, the continuing plight of Hen Harriers, various involvements by organizations and individuals and some of the shortcomings. Rather than try and cram thoughts and opinions into one single entry I've decided to put out a "three part treatment" next week, so watch this space as the saying goes. The only shortcoming I've discovered already is that the recent computer fiasco has taken with it various photographs I had of harriers , so you might have to do without illustrations !!!! Apologies!
Red-throated and Great Northern Divers. Long-tailed Duck, Scaup, Wigeon, Great Crested Grebe, Eider, Goldeneye , Shelduck ,and a nice variety of waders to compliment the haul, provided an apt and satisfying end to a great week. Whilst there are certain things I've missed, there are other experiences that I shall continue to savor. Due to the weather, both in Scotland and elsewhere over the past couple of weeks, I'm loathe to suggest whether some things are on the move or not. Certainly duck numbers aren't high and the LB Brent Geese appear to have disappeared over the past few days ( but Loch Ryan is a BIG place ! ) . Certainly the nice warm weather this morning had countless common birds in song, but I wouldn't be foolish enough to suggest we've turned any corners !!!!
Within the past couple of weeks a variety of things has emerged that link to Hen Harriers. Being up here , ( with plenty of "down time" at the beginning of the holiday ) , I've mused over a wide range of relevant topics connected with the current political scene, the continuing plight of Hen Harriers, various involvements by organizations and individuals and some of the shortcomings. Rather than try and cram thoughts and opinions into one single entry I've decided to put out a "three part treatment" next week, so watch this space as the saying goes. The only shortcoming I've discovered already is that the recent computer fiasco has taken with it various photographs I had of harriers , so you might have to do without illustrations !!!! Apologies!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)