Well, in the midst of the mayhem that we find ourselves living through, Natural England has released the bird licensing statistics for 2019.
In fact, for some reason, they have tagged them on to the 2014 to 2018 data that we had already seen, and reissued the whole thing, meaning that there are huge numbers of licences to wade through. But they include a comprehensive list of licences issued to control birds last year, and into the early part of 2020. Unfortunately even at first glance it makes for depressing reading. I'll be seeking to obtain more details in due course (this may not be easy at the moment with everyone in lockdown) but Natural England has already shown a willingness to engage with me further over the details. Threatened species remain on the list..... As in previous years, a number of threatened species appear on the list, including the much persecuted Herring gull and even the rare Curlew, in spite of the species being under extreme pressure in the wild, while the eggs of Mute Swans were also still being destroyed. Moorhen and Coot were again on the list, along with several species of Geese, and our old friend the Mallard, whose eggs continue to be oiled or smashed in the name of 'public safety'. And all with official approval. But some licences stand out even more than others. One issued to 'capture' or 'possess' a staggering 1,500 Marsh Tits needs explaining for example. It is fair to reiterate Natural England's own words of caution here, they point out that "Annual returns show that the actual numbers affected are significantly less than the numbers covered on the licences. Due to the complexity of return information it’s not possible to publish these figures." But, while it's true to assume that the numbers associated with each licence may be overstated , it is also true to say that Natural England gave permission to 'affect' the total number on each licence. Potentially many thousands of birds could have been legally captured or killed. So the figures are not clearly defined which is a problem, and that's not helped by duplicate, renewed and amended licences appearing throughout the data. With such complexity it is difficult to whittle the figures down into anything of great clarity, which means many questions are left to be asked. And ask I will. Indeed it is important to remember that each of us has a moral responsibility to look at the figures and, where necessary, to ask questions, more of which later. Evaluating the campaign Meanwhile, enforced self isolation during the past few weeks has given me some time to evaluate our campaign. I feel we have made progress but I also feel that each of us must vow to take some individual responsibility for the welfare of our wildlife. Most of you reading this already do so, from the heroic rescuers dedicating their time to saving wildlife in distress to the social media stalwarts who share relevant links and opinions far and wide. I am pleased to have played a part in spreading public awareness of the whole wildlife licensing process in England, and indeed the rest of the UK, and alerting people to the scale of the lethal control actions being carried out under the umbrella of government bodies. Prior to launching the campaign, it seems that the British public were largely unaware of the killing, and it was a shocking revelation to most, especially the large scale control of some of our most loved native birds. All this was being sanctioned from behind the very firmly closed doors of Natural England, so it's no wonder we were all in the dark. Since starting the campaign back in 2018, so much information has come to light. And so many people have signed the petition; in fact, as I write this, the figure is an incredible 356,739 signatures. Change.org told me some time ago that our campaign was one of the most successful on its platform. I've been fortunate to have a good deal of mainstream media coverage too, most of the big national newspapers have covered the story from time to time as the campaign has developed. Progress and results This time last year I had useful talks with Natural England - a result in itself - and further major developments followed, in particular the promise from Natural England to publish annual statistics covering many details of their wildlife licences. This is hugely significant progress. Furthermore, Natural England has vowed to be more open with information going forward. I have found them to be (ultimately) helpful, though I have to say there were times of very great frustration along the way! We must not underestimate the successes we have achieved. As a result of our campaigning, we can all see and analyse the data for ourselves. Data that was previously hidden. We can see just how many licences are being issued each year, we can see for what species action is being taken and we can even see the numbers and the reasons and method of control. We have also succeeded in spreading awareness, nationally and internationally, and we have encouraged Natural England to become more transparent. Public examination of data imperative Of course we all want to see the actual numbers of licences reduced. We want to see fewer birds being killed. This was, and remains, the aim of the campaign. The hope is that, with widespread public examination of the figures, Natural England might be more careful and considered about the licences they issue. And there are some signs that this might be happening with certain species. Now that we are all able to peruse the figures, we must do so. We can hold Natural England accountable. If we notice something on the list of licences that concerns us, then we should ask questions. This is something I will continue to do and indeed this is something Natural England has invited me to do. Should the campaign continue...? I had, at one point recently, considered winding the campaign down, but on reflection I think there is still work for me to do. But I'm very keen to have public input with this. That is why I'm asking everyone to take a look at the latest figures (link at end of post), bearing in mind the cautious approach I mentioned earlier, and pick up on any particularly worrying licences. If you message me through my website, quoting the licence number, then I can ask Natural England directly for an explanation. For example, I'm already vexed by the continued issuing of licences to those who supply the 'gourmet' restaurant trade with eggs of amber listed Black headed gulls, and I'm currently writing an article on this shameful trade. But there are many other questionable licences there too. I'll work my way through them all in due course - but, as I said, please do take a look and feel free to contact me with your own concerns. I'll put those concerns directly to Natural England on your behalf. Anyway, in the meantime, I'm sending everybody warmest wishes from my part of the world to yours. Stay strong, stay safe, stay well - and most of all enjoy the Spring :) Best, Jase NATURAL ENGLAND DATA LINKS: CLICK HERE CAMPAIGN/PETITION: CLICK HERE
34 Comments
Jo
14/4/2020 11:00:03 pm
You're doing a great job to raise the awareness of this issue. I just wish the 'powers that be' could see the sense in what you are saying.
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Anna Wallin
15/4/2020 09:15:32 am
The whole issue needs to be aired on Countryfile, on Sunday evenings! Tom is a brilliant investigator and doesn’t shy away from controversy.
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Helen Young
18/4/2020 02:44:10 pm
I agree this should be aired on Countryfile . I again have written to the RSPB today . Probably of no use but at least they can’t keep ignoring people’s concerns if they want donations !
Charles David Foulstone
16/4/2020 03:44:18 pm
To Jo
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Andrew Shootta
25/4/2020 11:32:49 pm
Charles, this was happening under the Labour party as well so national politics isn't the issue. Just plain ignorance and a lack of respect for birds.
kaye wingham
16/4/2020 10:33:20 pm
Keep following your heart. Without people like you, who value and care for the voiceless and vulnerable in nature the world would be a less amazing place to live in.
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14/4/2020 11:01:30 pm
Yes Jason treated Like Mushrooms By Another public Body Staffed By Civil Servants ? I Find Marsh Tits What damage Do They do ? And My old friend The Bullfinch How Many Have been Killed ? And How Many survive in The Wild ?
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Tim
14/4/2020 11:15:36 pm
Hi Jason
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John Castleton
14/4/2020 11:32:43 pm
Just reading through your observations, i'am shocked at the numbers involved, especially against those species which are under threat. It just doesn't seem to make sense.
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KIMBERLEY DUDLEY-PYETT
14/4/2020 11:40:11 pm
Hi Jason,nice to hear from you about the wonderful wildlife we have. I am a born again Christian and my beliefs are all birds and wild animals do not belong to us.they were put here for us to admire and love to see.i adore wild rats and mice.they seem to know how i feel. Foxes are beautiful too and they also seem to be hated by many. Wild birds of any kind should be free to do or go where they want they do not belong to anyone..I live in Lincoln Lincolnshire and i feed the Pigeons quite a lot i find then quite pretty..People here seem to hate them and are abusive toward them..Kids try and kick them till i appear and stop them..And tell them what i feel .Well Jason i hope you like my letter and thanks for caring for those that cannot care for themselves Many Regards Kimberley Dudley-Pyett.
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Hi Jase, to try and get a bit of traction is it worth people individually requesting information via an FOE request so that it is clear it is not just you. This could be done through the What do they know website, this would then makes allow more people to see the responses and hopefully reduce the number of duplicate requests. I know the media also looks at what do they know so it might just help to raise the profile. Certainly not wishing to be negative about what you have do. It's awesome!! I just thought it might help the issue.
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Bill Galbally
14/4/2020 11:53:56 pm
Jason - this has been an outstanding campaign. A real eye-opener. I had absolutely no idea what was going on. was it not once called the Nature Conservancy Council? Issuing licences as Natural England does could not be further from conserving nature. Please don't give up yet!
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Brian
14/4/2020 11:58:19 pm
Hi Jase, this comment may seem obvious but if there is a prescribed number on the licence and this quota is submitted say 500 but 750 have been killed, what check can or is made.
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Pamela Allen
15/4/2020 11:45:39 am
Agreed Brian, it stands to reason considering NE cannot psychically check each and every kill the real number killed will be far higher than permitted on the licence not the other way as NE stated to Jase as Jase herein records...
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Christine Edwards
15/4/2020 12:25:33 am
Jason you are doing the most wonderful job. I think, thanks to your persistence, Natural England now knows that they cannot continue in their arrogance, which is what I encountered when I first wrote to them thank you from the bottom of my heart.
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15/4/2020 12:30:52 am
Doesn't nature self regulate? & if something doesn't fit it's up to nature to regulate it, not governments or "Natural England" !!
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Susan Brooks
15/4/2020 07:50:13 am
Thank you Jason, please keep up this vital work.
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David Barraclough
15/4/2020 10:16:29 am
Great piece. Couldn't agree more with your sentiments. What arrogance to think that it's OK for humans to believe that it is they who should 'Manage' this issue. What also irks me is how the numbers are collected and validated. Is the UK sub divided into 'areas' as different numbers of same species can be found far and wide ? Which genius comes up with a number requiring culling and on what premise ? No wonder this has never come out into the public domain. I think if the processes were fully published as to how this lot is managed we would be much more equipped to invoke changes.
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Kym Ormay
15/4/2020 08:29:34 am
Dear Jason,
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Kristine Tutton
15/4/2020 08:44:17 am
Well done, Jason. This is progress indeed, and thank you for your patience and persistence, from me and the birds!
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william paige
15/4/2020 08:51:36 am
ultimately the test will be whether we see a substantial reduction in the number of licences issued.
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helen troughton
15/4/2020 08:55:47 am
Thank you for all your hard work Jason, we will certainly study the list. We are members of RSPB and wonder what their attitude is to this culling?
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Leslie Clark
15/4/2020 09:30:10 am
The RSPB does not care about this culling unfortunately.
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Christine Mary Burden
15/4/2020 09:10:39 am
It is disgraceful that any red or amber listed bird should be on the extermination list. Herring gulls, I feel, are the victims of a tabloid hate campaign. But marsh tits....the mind boggles. Do Natural England ever consult the real experts, eg. the BTO. Doesn't look like it. To paraphrase the Hitchhikers Guide, they are 'ignorant monkeys who know nothing.'
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John Dyda
15/4/2020 10:04:44 am
Marsh tit?
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Daniela Yarnold
15/4/2020 10:22:50 am
Thank you for the very important work that you are doing, we really appreciate it. Please continue.
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Honor Maughan
15/4/2020 10:53:46 am
No listed bird on either the red or amber spectrum should be killed, has someone got their lists mixed up at 'Head Office'!!?
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Dr Jacqueline Blyth
15/4/2020 11:19:55 am
I read this with absolute dismay. I find myself continually saying, "I can't believe people can do this", and repeatedly have to remind myself that they can. The longer I live the more despairing I become of mankind's capacity to be cruel, stupid and thoughtless. If this covid-19 virus has done anything, at least it has given other creatures and the earth a bit of a rest.
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Gareth Huw Lewis
15/4/2020 11:44:20 am
It is always worth reading your correspondence and it is uplifting that you have obtained as much information as you have from Natural England about their often dubious reasons for issuing licenses to kill the native avifauna of our country-I am amazed that they actually agreed to issue licenses to kill birds such as Herring Gulls and indeed Black-Headed gulls , in the case of the latter by taking eggs !-I had no idea that this sort of thing happened in the 21st century here in the U.K.
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Rosemary Athay
15/4/2020 12:49:37 pm
I cannot imagine what justifiable reason there can be for issuing a licence to destroy or reduce the numbers of marsh tits. Or any bird to be honest; nature itself obviously considers that there is more reason to reduce the number of humans at the present time.
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Roger Ackroyd
15/4/2020 05:54:49 pm
Check out the link below just one more reason to keep the pressure on.
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Anthony Franklin
15/4/2020 06:47:42 pm
2014-2259-SPM-WLM New House sparrow SPM-WLM House sparrow Kill, injure or take Shooting Preserving public health under section 16(1)(i) Kent 1 16/07/2014 20/08/2014 23/11/2014 26/08/2014
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C Rogers
15/4/2020 06:53:36 pm
When I looked at the data I was shocked. They say that nature has a way of getting back, maybe this pandemic is one way. I remember when the sparrows disappeared for several years, but they gradually came back.
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Suzanne
21/4/2020 03:56:49 pm
Hi Jason,
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