* Natural England's bird control licence data for 2022 is about to be published....
* Complete statistics for 2022 reveal some staggering figures, affecting dozens of species:-
* Falconry licence data, included for the first time, shows red listed species being killed for sport including Skylark, Fieldfare, Redwing, Meadow Pipit, Mistle Thrush and more, in addition to more common birds such as various corvids, gulls and doves. I can now report that Natural England's annual bird control licensing statistics are collated and will shortly be published on their website, there'll be a link to the data file from my blog when it's available. Meanwhile Natural England sent me a copy of the statistics and I've had an initial perusal. While it's great that the data is now freely available every year - because of our campaign - the sheer extent of the killing remains lamentable. However, we are at least now able to scrutinise the figures and raise questions where we find anomalies within the licences. Falconry data included for the first time And something new for this year, adding to the general heartache over the killing of our wild birds, is that for the first time, Natural England is including data for falconry licences that they issue "for purposes of sport". These are licences permitting the killing of wild birds, not by shooting, but in the course of falconry. Now, this in itself might not sound too significant, but I've looked at the list of birds permitted to be killed in this way - it includes various corvids, gulls and common birds such as Wood pigeons and Blackbirds - but I am alarmed to see red-listed birds among the species for which licences have been granted, such as the iconic Skylark, Fieldfare, Redwing, Meadow Pipit, Mistle Thrush and Song Thrush, to name but a few. One such licence, issued to an applicant from Suffolk, approved the taking of up to 40 Skylarks, and that is just one example. Others allowed the killing of smaller numbers of Meadow Pipit, Song Thrush, Mistle Thrush, Starling and House Sparrow. Naturally, birds of prey kill all of these rare species - to survive. But, surely killing them for 'sport' is inappropriate in the midst of a biodiversity crisis, when these species are in severe decline and vulnerable? That the killing, (effectively hunting), is being licensed by the government's nature watchdog seems especially perplexing - and ironic. I realise that this opens up a whole new contentious debate, that of falconry and killing in the name of sport, and Natural England might well say that their hands are tied - falconry is legal and therefore they have a duty to 'manage' it. The problem is that many of the species being killed under Natural England's falconry licences are of high conservation concern, and I think that makes it unethical. As we know, there is little or no monitoring of licences, Natural England rely on the honesty and integrity of licence holders when submitting their return, under the terms of their licence. So, do we know how many Skylarks are actually being killed? It feels like a mixed blessing having the addition of the falconry data this year. On the one hand, as Natural England told me, the falconry figures are included "in line with our commitment to transparency", which is great, and indeed one of the primary aims of our campaign. It's just so very depressing to see all the killing. Data to be publicly available soon But anyway, I'm told the data will be published on the .gov website soon (if not then I will publish it myself). Please take a look and do feel free to alert me to any licences that might require clarification, I can ask those questions and get answers where necessary. Other news In other news, it looks like the remaining licences for the harvesting of Black-headed gull eggs (for human consumption) may have been withdrawn, I'm trying get clarification on this after Natural England told me that 'currently' there have been no licences issued this year. But they also told me last month that they would be assessing them again in March. If it is the case that they have been suspended, then it would mean that the murky trade in Black-headed gull eggs has effectively been brought to an end, a huge success for our campaign, though we need to remain vigilant in case the licences are reinstated. That's all for now folks, thanks as always for your support, Best, Jase
Photo by Heather Wilde on Unsplash
67 Comments
Giles Beach
10/2/2023 07:27:56 pm
This government is gradually allowing our country to be destroyed!
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Andrew Haveron
10/2/2023 07:38:22 pm
Jason, I am so appalled, outraged and distressed to hear about this - more than I can express! Heartbroken in fact and I would imagine that the population at large would feel the same way if this was generally known.
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John Hemingway
10/2/2023 08:11:22 pm
This really has to go the press and BBC wildlife programme presenters including Countryfile. Get Natural England in the spotlight for them to face the public. The logic of this just beggars belief !!
Tim Burke
10/2/2023 09:09:24 pm
Whilst I agree with the sentiments expressed, I also think this is something of a distraction. The numbers of songbirds is actually fairly low (especially if you consider the normal mortality of these species). Please remember that there are also wild birds for which no licence is required because they can be taken during the season - snipe, woodcock, golden plover, and many species of duck, geese and other waders; probably well over 1 million birds killed for "sport". Whilst this wholesale slaughter is permitted, it would be very easy to defend falconry. 11/2/2023 04:10:29 pm
What is wrong with sick people who just want to keep killing out beautiful wildlife. The World and the news in it is soul destroying, heartbreaking, dreadful, difficult and nadty as it is. This is just the worst news for these previous birds and I ask WHY, WHY, WHY? to satisfy sick, nasty, warped, vile, twisted people. I'm so angry 😡 and don't understand it! 11/2/2023 06:34:44 pm
Totally agree. The public should be made fully aware of this depravity that Natural England is allowing unmonitored licenses be given allowing birds to be killed. Sheer lunacy.
Hazel
11/2/2023 07:25:09 pm
Natural England has a Facebook page...... just saying.
Sue Murfin
10/2/2023 07:57:09 pm
I can hardly believe this!"!! What can we do about ti???
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Delia Koczwara
10/2/2023 08:26:54 pm
This is so shocking. I agree, it needs maximum publicity. Skylarks??!!
Hazel
11/2/2023 07:29:02 pm
Do you use Facebook? Natural England has a page you could add a comment or three....
Lindsey Iqbal
12/2/2023 10:13:51 am
Disgusting Natural England.
Julia Dance
10/2/2023 09:14:02 pm
I could weep. How did we let these people get this power to do so much damage as national body in our name ?
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10/2/2023 10:33:48 pm
I do not agree to the killing of bird! Stop this now. It is the human population that needs to be reined in. We should be sharing this world with other species- no question. I, for one, would consider the world a sorry space without al other species.
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Richard Owens
10/2/2023 11:13:40 pm
I’m absolutely shocked and disgusted at so many red listed birds are killed in the name of “ sport” Absolutely terrible Well done to Jason and his hard work. I echo what everyone else is saying , this should be brought to the attention of nature programmes such as countryfile etc to ensure greater awareness and hopefully and end to the disgraceful practice
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Julia Lowe
11/2/2023 06:48:53 pm
I too don't understand why red listed birds are listed for falconry. Most reputable falconers would not let their falcons go after these birds especially for 'sport' There is something wrong here. Falconers who do displays and corporate days generally use lures to demonstrate the prowess of the bird. They don't need to get the birds to hunt others
Edna Parker
11/2/2023 07:30:53 am
I though this body was devised to save the Countryside and ALL of England, needs astroger nature structure to replace these despoilers
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Rosemary Woods
11/2/2023 08:50:40 am
This is unbelievable. How can they call themselves NATURAL England and condone any shooting for sport, especially if red listed. Skylarks for instance? It is a disgrace
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Jerry Geatens
11/2/2023 03:44:34 pm
Why are we allowing this
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Peter McCarter
11/2/2023 08:02:47 pm
This just proves that Natural England and Tony Juniper are not fit for Purpose, How can Licensing the Slaughter of Any Red Listed Bird’s for Sport be Acceptable, It is Time that Wildlife, the Environment Ecosystem’s,Biodiversity were Treated with National Importance and Not Expendable for Profit and Greed!
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11/2/2023 09:40:29 pm
Have no idea what kind of people indulge in hunting. Willing wanting to harm and kill another animal is just pure sadism. Unfortunately it’s protected by the aristocracy, the nobles snd royals, the ones in power who promote is as traditional and regal and quintessentially English. When it is in fact cruel and abhorrent and needs to go in the bin of olde redundant Englishness.
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Gilly P
12/2/2023 04:07:08 pm
It is about time Natural England concentrated on preventing illegal activity, such as that of Pest Controllers who regularly ignore the rules, instead of coming up with ways to destroy even more of our wildlife.
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Seems we have some seriously sick people in our country to allow this activity to be allowed.natural England it is not ,we need to know the names of the MPs who back or encourage this nonsense ,London was full of sparrows years ago ,they are now long since gone,birds don’t belong to louts with guns they belong to all of us ,we must change this way of life .
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Aqueye
26/2/2023 02:24:14 pm
Human kind should be placed on trail, four legs good, two legs bad (excluding avian). Made answerable for crimes against nature, and forced banning of commercialism.
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Frances Bee
10/2/2023 07:32:10 pm
100% agree - really depressing news about falconry licenses. I live in rural Suffolk and was horrified to read that a license fo killing skylarks has been agreed. I hardly see any skylarks - used to see lots.
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Stephen hogg
10/2/2023 07:38:48 pm
I did not no of this about skylarks . Killing for sport it is shocking As they do no harm . I the I here and see them I know the spring is here . Who ever came up with this should be killed for the fun too
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Alastair Telford
10/2/2023 07:39:22 pm
Not only is it completely unethical, who exactly at Natural England checks that the "applicant from Suffolk" does not kill more than 40 Skylarks with their falcons?
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James Shepherd
10/2/2023 07:45:15 pm
No wild birds, or wild animals, should be killed for sport. A few humans, yes.
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Sue Hodgkins
10/2/2023 07:59:47 pm
Falconry! What century are these scumbags living in? Making something die for 'fun' - presumably their definition of 'sport' - is perverted.
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Julia Lowe
11/2/2023 07:00:55 pm
Most falconers do not use their birds to hunt for 'sport'. A lot show their birds at shows using lures and bits of meat but not live birds. Some falconers are licensed to control some birds such as pigeons in places like airports, where generally the presence of a falcon is enough to put them off
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Robin Hampshire
25/2/2023 08:28:49 pm
Ah! Just meat! That's ok then, quite a different matter...
Maggie Mason
12/2/2023 08:44:11 am
Is it possible to find out who the "applicant from Suffolk "is? Is it a "rich individual" or a commercial operation catering for corporate days out? Might the clients/participants be wealthy people flown or helicoptered in from God knows where? It would be horribly ironic reverse colonisation if Saudi oil magnates, with a history around falconry, are popping over to the UK to destroy skylarks.
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Dawne Kovan
10/2/2023 08:19:22 pm
I cannot believe that this heartbreaking activity is allowed to go ahead in 2023. Who are these people who get off on killing a tiny Skylark, beautiful Mistle Thrush or even a Falcon?
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Peter Dixon
10/2/2023 08:25:09 pm
Sickening!! The Skylark. A small bird , harmful to no one, unique in flight and song above its territory, it’s very existence now to be decided by those who will “enjoy” blasting it out of the sky . Natural England!! Shame on everyone of you who are responsible for this appalling decision.
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Simon George Spratt
10/2/2023 08:25:33 pm
Just what I expect from a Tory government!! Keeping the matter down is absolutely typical!! The Government has a heck of a lot to answer for!! You just can’t trust the bastards!!
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Janet Pougher
10/2/2023 08:29:56 pm
This is unbelievable! I am absolutely appalled by Natural England, how can they allow the killing of red listed birds?
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paul shorter
10/2/2023 08:32:16 pm
I am deeply shocked at the killing of red listed birds. What action do you recommend we should take collectively? Many Thanks for all you do
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peter giles
10/2/2023 08:36:28 pm
where are Natural England based? And who are these people who have so much controversial power over OUR Natural England? Time to take our concerns directly, pointedly, quietly to them maybe?
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Hazel
11/2/2023 07:26:55 pm
Natural England has a facebook page.... you could add a comment or three.
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Dareleen Jones
10/2/2023 09:05:10 pm
I find this absolutely appalling. It seems all the human race wants to do is too squeeze the life out of all that occupies this world.
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Jennifer Hubbard
10/2/2023 09:12:05 pm
The RSPB, Wildlife and Wetlands Trust, Peta, WWF, Flora and Fauna International, all the Wildlife Trusts should put in a joint objection to get this outrage stopped. It is time for these organisations to work together to save our wildlife from this callous practice.
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Elizabeth Doria
10/2/2023 09:21:28 pm
There are not words to describe these barbaric acts.
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10/2/2023 09:56:34 pm
Totally perplexing that an organisation allegedly established to protect British wildlife is in support of killing passerine bird species for sport. This is further proof that NE is a misnomer and it is not fit for purpose
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10/2/2023 09:59:10 pm
I have to applaud you Jason for keeping your 'cool' relating such unbelievable, indescribable atrocities. It just goes to show how important it was making Natural England publish their Licensing data. I can hardly believe it, who would 'use' precious birds in this way for sport? The Law needs to be changed and this diabolical situation brought to a stand still and I agree with John Hemingway it should be front page news and BBC Wildlife programs allerted.
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Aldyth Kitchin
10/2/2023 11:52:52 pm
I am shocked and angry that the people who, I assumed, helped to protect our iconic wildlife, actually issue permits to people to actually kill these precious creatures. Sheer wickedness.........they should be ashamed.
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KEITH LAWRENCE
11/2/2023 12:04:41 am
I CAN ONLY ECHO ALL PREVIOUS COMMENTS,THE HUMAN RACE IS DISGUSTING? WHAT RIGHT DO WE HAVE TO COMMIT THESE OUTRAGES, IT BEGGARS BELIEF THAT THESE ATTITUDES ARE AROUND IN THE 21st CENTURY, THE WRONG PEOPLE ARE RUNNING THINGS,
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11/2/2023 04:39:55 am
Natural England.I’m not impressed with at all . I live near where Southern Water have started to build a reservoir. Ancient trees, lots of wildlife , also sky larks to name a few but this summer heavy plant moved in with little regard for wildlife but given the backing of Natural England and several other similar Businesses as this what they are because they receive donations from these big corporations as they have done here .
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Christine Burden
11/2/2023 08:30:25 am
Thank you Jason for your tireless campaign to draw attention to the way public bodies do not act in the public interest. Appalling to think that some bloke in Suffolk can slaughter so many skylarks, when, round here, I'd be happy to hear one.
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John Dyda
11/2/2023 08:39:00 am
This proves that this government doesn't give a damn about our wildlife. Britain is already one of the most nature depleted countries IN THE WORLD! Absolute disgrace.
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Phyllis Middleton I
11/2/2023 09:03:41 am
I am not sure how anyone can kill our beautiful birds. The wonderful Skylark is a prime example of a bird soaring to the sky singing its song. Please fight
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diana wheatley
11/2/2023 10:25:12 am
Almost unbelievable. I say 'almost' because, once again - 'Natural' England has shown itself to be NO friend of the natural world it changed its name to suggest it protects.
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Nigel Desmond
11/2/2023 10:53:13 am
I seriously believe that a name change is long overdue for these people ...
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Alan Bayes
11/2/2023 12:29:25 pm
'Natural England' should be renamed 'Unnatural England'.
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Colin Mance
11/2/2023 06:19:18 pm
An absolute joke that we consider ourselves to be an
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Keith Phillips
11/2/2023 08:52:53 pm
I cannot believe 'Natural England' is allowed to provide these types of licence. I don't know who they are or who set them up and gave them this authority......but I can guess. What happens in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland?
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Jacqueline DAdd
11/2/2023 09:06:27 pm
I am absolutely horrified and Heartbroken to read this.
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Doug Simpson
12/2/2023 07:30:39 pm
I have no doubt that a complaint to Natural England would produce the response that the numbers involved are small and that the loss of this number is sustainable.
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Steve Henderson
12/2/2023 11:36:40 pm
Let’s keep things into perspective here, if you’re knowledgable at all about falconry you’ll know it has an extremely low impact. Falconers knowledge has done so much to help educate and rehabilitate birds of prey. It’s given people a better understanding and breeding projects have helped struggling populations in the wild. The majority of falconers are naturalists and care deeply about wildlife, nature and the countryside.
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Doug Simpson
13/2/2023 08:59:12 pm
As anticipated, we get a defence of falconry based on its effects being supposedly minimal. I don't doubt the good work done by many falconers, not least in relation to our Goshawk population, but citing this as justification for them taking red-listed species dodges the very clear moral issue.
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Steve Henderson
14/2/2023 11:46:16 am
The birds flown would catch significantly far, less than their wild cousins. So how do you feel about a wild Merlin taking a Sky Lark?
Sarah Ladyman
14/2/2023 08:36:36 am
Although obviously totally wrong, is this very different to wildfowling which restrict numbers taken as they are apparently for consumption. Wildfowling licences are issued for species such as Goldeneye ducks and RSPB allow this on/near their reserves. Maybe the royal society for PROTECTION of birds should also be questioned?
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April Dunnett
15/2/2023 07:43:32 pm
I am APPALLED that Natural England approve the killing of skylarks which are an endangered species - where are their heads? Haven't they any intelligence? No reasoning abilities?
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Doug Simpson
15/2/2023 08:22:55 pm
Yes, Steve Henderson, I am prejudiced - a trait it would appear I share with most other people posting on this blog - namely that I believe it is morally wrong to take birds of a threatened species for so-called sporting purposes. I do not deny that it is, at present, legal to do so but this is a man-made rule which can, and should, be altered for birds of a threatened species.
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Steve Henderson
15/2/2023 10:28:34 pm
With the greatest respect that’s your opinion and that’s why people like yourself don’t make the legislation as you don’t base your opinion on facts but rather let your emotions overrule them instead.
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Paul Robinson
16/2/2023 03:59:30 pm
Shouldn’t the organisation be called Destroy Natural England
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Linda Marshall
18/2/2023 12:07:36 pm
I am also absolutely appalled to read about this legal slaughter of songbirds. I shall look for a petition to sign to stop this.
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