Natural England: No Compassion, No Empathy - And A Total Disregard For The Public They Serve2/3/2019 More than 200,000 principled people have so far signed our petition to stop Natural England from issuing licences to wipe out our precious birds!
We had an enormous boost to start off March, with a whopping 80,000 new supporters. So, with the huge outpouring of compassion from so many amazing people, one might have thought that Natural England and their parent body Defra would want to address the concerns of the people they are supposed to serve. But no. There's been no engagement from Natural England since the early days of the petition. Even after some major newspaper coverage in recent weeks, they have been remarkably quiet, aside from issuing two feeble statements containing their usual waffle and banal 'explanations' in an attempt to justify the officially endorsed slaughter of birds. In issuing these statements, they wildly underestimate the intelligence of the public. And I'm becoming increasingly irritated by their impertinence and lack of respect. Extraordinary Level Of Secrecy Natural England are the people behind the despicable slaughter of badgers, the planned 'invasive species' cull (squirrels, Muntjac deer, Canada Geese et al) and of course the abhorrent and methodical eradication of our wild birds. Make no mistake, left unchallenged they will, without doubt, wreak havoc on the much loved wildlife in this country. Natural England displays not only a callous disregard for strong public feeling, but also an extraordinary level of secrecy in their working practice. Underfunded they may be, understaffed perhaps, but there's no excuse for total ignorance. Their foolish refusal to engage with the public shows that they are not fit for purpose and that a complete overhaul is essential if we want to preserve and protect what is left of our fast disappearing wildlife. Lack Of Empathy, Compassion And Understanding Yet in spite of the ineptitude and the cruelty that Natural England show, it's their apparent lack of empathy, compassion and understanding that saddens me the most. Indeed my initial anger quickly turned to frustration and then to a deep sadness at the realisation that within a few short years the wonderful nature that once surrounded me in my younger days will likely be gone. The discovery of the beautiful and magical creatures that entranced me as a child, and throughout my life, will not be there to delight future generations. Why on earth should a single government agency have so much control over the natural heritage that belongs to us all? Should we choose not to challenge the cold hearted civil servants that push pens in the offices of Natural England and Defra, then for the next generation and beyond there will be no wide-eyed discovery of nature, no magic. And without that awareness of nature, surely there can be no sensitivity towards other life. And no kindness. It is happening already as we begin to lose that vital connection with our natural world. For me that is heartbreaking. And that is why I am fighting on behalf of the fast diminishing wildlife in this country and the people who treasure it. Without it we are destitute. I abhor Natural England's lack of decency. I challenge their decisions. And I, together with 200,000+ others, want change. Striving For Change Rest assured I will not be giving up on this. Please know that I am busy behind the scenes, working on getting the campaign in front of influential people, striving for change and demanding an end to Natural England's horrible disregard for England's wildlife. Join me please. Sign the petition. Share it far and wide. Natural England may not want to acknowledge us, but this level of public protest should have them quaking in their boots.
36 Comments
Vivienne Clacher
2/3/2019 04:56:31 pm
I was absolutely shocked when I read this.
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Alan Booth
2/3/2019 07:27:27 pm
This practice of decimating our already struggling beautiful birds and our fragile wildlife is truly sickening. Sadly not shocking as it is no surprise to me that government with its blinkered opinions and deceitful ways sanctions such behaviour.
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James Bunyan
2/3/2019 10:57:39 pm
I am 72yrs old, live in Scotland, for the most part, in a rural area. My father taught me about wildlife. and even how to poach. It has been a lifelong interest. I know of nobody who goes poaching these days. There is little worth poaching, and most, who did, gave up, many years ago.
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Pat Ruskin
2/3/2019 11:11:59 pm
The culling of these bird is atrocious, especially those of the corvid family (crows, ravens and jays). To read about their intelligence, go to this URL -
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Blll Thompson
2/3/2019 05:01:27 pm
I was horrified when I received your petition re birds. I was foolishly under the misapprehension that DEFRA & their chums were on the side of wildlife. Clearly not.
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Barbara Garwood
3/3/2019 04:39:35 pm
DEFRA HAVE ALWAYS BEEN A KILLING MACHINE!!!
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Maggie Reynolds
2/3/2019 05:04:34 pm
Unfortunately there is nothing that can keep humans from overpopulation Earth 😠
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Jim Aitken
2/3/2019 05:05:01 pm
Hi Jason, congrats on the campaign, thank you for bringing this to our attention, and thank you to everyone who has signed the petition.
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Faith Norris
2/3/2019 07:30:15 pm
Birds need better publicity. Generally people don’t even notice them. I think it would be a really great to let people know they are our last link to the dinosaurs and have outlasted us by millions of years. It would interest children in particular. Birds are intelligent. I have been watching and interacting with birds nearly all my life and I can tell you they are not stupid but they are small and vulnerable and need our protection not killing them off when they get in the way.
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Roderich Heier
2/3/2019 05:07:46 pm
Can somebody please tell what the reasoning is behind this slaughter. The reasons given may not stand up under scrutiny but surely the powers that be must have given some reasons in order to justify their actions.
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jacqueline phelps
2/3/2019 05:09:54 pm
Sadly it seems that most of the Goverment agents are following this pattern. It has been my experience with Natural resources Wales regarding a conservation area nearby. There are several other petitions on Change.org regarding these issues for example the National Trust as well as others. Sadly it seems that building developements and other lucrative activities are far more important than our beautiful wildlife. I hope you are successful with this petition.
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Ry Coffman
3/3/2019 09:13:45 am
I too live in Wales on the River Tawe. I was shocked to learn that the local anglers have the right to kill herons, goosander, cormorants etc on the river. It's a hobby for goodness sake.
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Peter V Vickers
2/3/2019 05:11:44 pm
In the field opposite my local farmer obtained a permit from DEFRA and spent two days shooting every Buzzard in site. Allegedly, because the Buzzards hunt a few of the local pheasants that he shoots anyway.
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Vince
2/3/2019 07:55:34 pm
I nearly run my car off the road watching raptors - buzzards, red kites, kestrels, sparrowhawks and other lovely intriguing birds that play a part in the food chain.
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Nicky Jevon
2/3/2019 05:21:10 pm
The UK is sick to the core. The murder of birds is just one example. All animals matter and are supremely important. Thank you Jason for your great work.
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Merrilyn Lucas
2/3/2019 05:23:42 pm
I have been a bird lover for most of my life, my father bought me the observers book of British birds when I was eight. Ducks & Geese was my special love and was often taken to Slimbridge as a child. I spend more money on my wild birds than I do on my two dogs. Buy food by the sack. I was under the impression that I was helping to keep certain species alive. Now I find that some of the birds I love most are on this dreadful culling list. I get excited when I see a humble sparrow, hardly see one today. The Curlews that used to stand in flocks in our fields are no more. I have at least a pair of bullfinches, such beautiful little birds, they can eat some of my blossom anytime.
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Richard Collier
2/3/2019 05:26:47 pm
We read so much about other countries killing song birds etc but we are no better. Wildlife is essential but obviously DEFRA are all about extinction. If it's not human just lets kill it.
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Louise
2/3/2019 05:33:08 pm
Your a true hero to our wildlife,, I'm greatfully we have you on there side,xx
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Anna Coles
2/3/2019 05:44:41 pm
Disgustingly, I am not at all surprised at 'Natural England' & 'Defra' - they are run by badly-educated people and issuing licences to kill the wildlife that is already endangered, sadly! I am a 65 year-old disabled retired librarian - and I wish you all the best in your fight, Jason - wildlife needs such as you or else there won't be any left!!
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David Grimsell
2/3/2019 05:54:07 pm
Like many I am absolutely disgusted by this callous and unnecessary destruction of wildlife, and the complete disregard for the welfare of the birds themselves. All in the cause of meeting the wants of certain commercial interests (eg farming, fishing, angling) with whom Natural England always aligns.
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Gordon Nicol
2/3/2019 05:57:27 pm
Where on earth do they get the name NATURAL England. Without doubt they should rename themselves as Unnatural England, for a life without all of these beautiful animals and birds can ONLY be called unnatural. Who would want to live in this world? These people are short changing our children. Like Jason Endfield says, growing up with such abundance has been our birthright for centuries. We just cannot submit to such people and the government must listen to those who elected them and do something about this travesty.
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Marie-Louise Charlton
2/3/2019 06:15:31 pm
I am sure there will be some corrupt financial reasoning behind their actions It is usually all about personal gain
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Geoff Monks
2/3/2019 06:40:42 pm
As an angler I don't know why we have a bad reputation for nature conservancy. Every angler I've ever known had a vested interest in preserving the beauty of nature! Most of my friends will leave left-over bait for the birds, and enjoy their surroundings!
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LInda Denzey
2/3/2019 06:43:28 pm
I do wonder what, if anything, Natural England actually do. I checked their website and it mentions amongst other incomprehensible language that they ''contribute in other ways to social and economic well-being through management of the natural environment, eg changes to wildlife licensing to improve flexibility for developers''. It reads as though they clear wildlife out in favour of development. They seem to be out of control and not answerable to public concern.
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Ruth Becker
2/3/2019 07:58:27 pm
I cannot overstate how much I agree with your observations, and empathise with your frustration at the lack of Natural England's, Defra's and successive governments attention to the views and desires of the people of this country regarding animal welfare issues. I have been signing petitions regarding animal welfare - fox hunting, whaling, badgers, hedgehogs, birds, farm animals and on, and on, for 50 years!
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Helen Cooper
2/3/2019 08:05:20 pm
I am absolutely horrified at what is happening to the natural environment. It appears that there isn't anyone looking after it. How many more birds, insects, animals, flowers and trees do we have to lose before someone in power does something about it. We as individuals can only look after our own little patch but we need people in authority to care.
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Phil Smillie
2/3/2019 10:22:17 pm
I guess we shouldn’t be surprised by this behaviour. When we see reports of Elephants, Lions, Tigers, Leopards being killed to protect pastoral herds/flicks in Africa/India etc we disapprove. To find it’s happening in the UK for similar reasons gives our disapproval an added dimension.
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Carol Neave
2/3/2019 10:23:02 pm
I am both saddened and shocked to hear about this situation. We cannot allow this to continue unchecked.Thank you Jason for bringing it to our notice. All the best with your future endeavours for this cause.
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Dave Dick
2/3/2019 10:48:31 pm
Several commentors here ask what is the reasoning behind this killing...the reasoning is that these civil servants are doing the bidding of their political masters who in turn either are or are beholden to, the landowning/large farmer/game shooting classes in the countryside. Those people in turn still live in a Victorian/Edwardian fantasy world where anything that eats a game bird is regarded as "vermin" and that a landowner or his "servant" can kill anything they dont like on their land. It is no coincidence that numbers of licences and birds killed have increased during a Tory Government the traditional friend of landowning and big farming.
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Gaynor Clark
3/3/2019 12:09:45 am
Well done on bringing this abhorrent proposal to the public domain.I so hope that the powers that be sit up and take notice of the strength of public feeling against this. Why can’t they just leave the wildlife alone in this country?
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Paul Huxley
3/3/2019 01:53:47 pm
Thank you for publicising this shocking revelation. It is now apparent that while many of us support the preservation of our wildlife and assume that it would be national policy to do so, others have legal permission to destroy it. One hand does not know what the other hand is doing. It seems to me that the government agencies that are responsible for granting permission to carry out this senseless destruction are woefully out of date. No surprises there. The world is changing at a faster and faster pace. I am eighty years old and I have been witness to the changes in our natural environment. (Climate change deniers take heed, I have seen it, watched its effects, remembered it. It’s true.) Legislation that once protected landowners’ interests is no longer needed. We no longer need to fight nature; that time is over, we now need to nurture and treasure it before it’s too late.
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Carola Blaney
3/3/2019 03:57:45 pm
Shocking beyond words! How can this be allowed to happen? Many of our species are already in crisis and 'Natural England' is adding to it by wiping out even more of our precious wildlife - unbelievable!! We seem to be hell-bent on destroying what's left of our planet! Human beings are supposed to be so clever, yet there's so much destruction and stupidity - the mind boggles! We need to do better, if we want to survive as a species, in a world worth living in!!
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Mike H
3/3/2019 04:28:19 pm
When I read news reports that licenses were issued by Natural England to kill up to 170,000 birds over the last 5 years, I was shocked and stunned. As much as anything, it is the list of endangered species that is so appalling. I have been a birder for most of my life, and have seen the steady decline in bird species that were once so common, but to learn of the wholesale destruction by a so called conservation body, just beggars belief.
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Carole Sutton
3/3/2019 09:03:33 pm
I am absolutely appalled by your revelation though sadly not surprised - it all comes down to the few making money at the expense of the many, destroying our environment which we, not they, live in. This I know to be true as it is going on on my own doorstep. Why do they think they have the right to deprive us and our children and grandchildren of these beautiful birds and our nature in general? Arrogant, irresponsible, wicked and downright cruel.
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Bobbzie
5/3/2019 04:43:08 pm
And so the endless outraged comments will go on. In the meantime even more harmless feathered critters are going to be 'culled' in the name of various commercial interests whilst you all continue to jump up and down in outrage and sign ineffective petitions like this.
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5/3/2019 05:11:14 pm
The very fact that you don't use your real name speaks volumes 'Bobbzie'. Hmm.
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