Destruction of Duck and Moorhen Eggs At Wetland Nature Reserve: Approved by Natural England20/8/2020
*Natural England approved the destruction of 100 Tufted Duck eggs, 300 Moorhen eggs and 250 Mallard eggs - at a wetland nature reserve...
The results of my latest foi requests are in, and although there are no major surprises in the answers I received from Natural England, I continue to have concerns over some of their licensing decisions.... The destruction of hundreds of wild birds eggs at a nature reserve.... The potentially large scale destruction of waterfowl eggs at a nature reserve was a troubling discovery. In 2019, Natural England renewed an ongoing 'aviculture' licence which last year permitted the destruction of 100 Tufted Duck eggs, 300 Moorhen eggs and 250 Mallard eggs at a site in Greater London. Many of the details from this licence had been redacted prior to releasing the information to me, but nevertheless some interesting facts are included. The Tufted Ducks, Moorhens and Mallards whose eggs are licensed for destruction, are casualties of a conservation project at a site which is identified in the documents as being owned by 'Wetland Trust'. Tufted Ducks: a threat to captive species that are 'wanted within the collection' According to the technical assessment associated with this licence, the project aims to raise endangered species of waterfowl (some non-native) which are housed in special segregated enclosures set within a 60 acre wetland nature reserve. These enclosures are separated only by areas of vegetation, and if the Tufted Ducks happen to nest inside these segregated areas, their eggs can be legally removed - and destroyed. According to Natural England, Tufted Ducks are considered a threat to the carefully selected captive species that are 'wanted within the collection'. Natural England agreed that "effectively the tufted duck presence reduces the potential for the enclosure to healthily host the other bird species of interest within the collections...[species] often of greater conservation status". As mentioned, Moorhen, Mallard (and also a number of Coot) are covered by the same licence, so potentially hundreds of eggs of these native birds, in addition to those of Tufted Ducks, can also be legally destroyed, though returns data suggests that, for some of the periods covered by the licences at least, less than the permitted maximum number of eggs were ultimately destroyed. The wetland site in question is popular with visitors, and it seems unlikely that the public are aware of the wholesale destruction of wild birds eggs that might be going on behind the scenes, as they enjoy the nature reserve. Destroying wild birds' eggs at a nature reserve is "questionable" While it is worthy indeed to be helping endangered species from other parts of the world, which seems to be the primary aim of this project, destroying the eggs of native wild birds in the process is surely questionable in today's world, teetering as it is on the edge of ecological catastrophe. Here in the UK, with rampant habitat destruction, pollution and other environmental threats, even our more ubiquitous species deserve special consideration and extra protection. I hear from so many people who tell me that they have noticed a steep and rapid decline in the numbers of birds they see, birds that were once a much more common sight. It might only be a matter of time before some of our most familiar species join the ever growing red and amber lists of conservation concern. It has, after all, happened so many times before. Eggs could be collected and relocated Tufted Duck populations are thought to be stable, though their conservation status has not been assessed since 2016. Should Natural England really be in the business of approving and enabling egg destruction, even at the request of conservation organisations, however worthy the agenda might appear to be? And should conservation organisations themselves be comfortable with the destruction of wild birds' eggs as part of their work? If eggs are perceived to be in the 'wrong' place, whether for reasons of air safety, public health or, perhaps more dubiously as in this case, 'aviculture', surely it would be more ethical if they were collected and relocated. Right of reply..... Perhaps the conservation organisation involved in this particular project could reply, explaining why the Tufted Duck eggs cannot be collected and hatched for release in areas of depleted wildlife. I'd be happy to publish their response and explanation on my blog. I'd also be interested of course to hear readers' views on whether selective conservation is a valid reason for lethal control or egg destruction. It's a tricky subject. Now for some good news: Natural England are "learning lessons" Meanwhile the good news is that our campaign is continuing to influence policy at Natural England. In his blog post last month, Natural England's Director for wildlife, David Slater, admitted that "We are determined to learn lessons ......in terms of how we ensure that the evidence on which we base decisions is sound...." He added that "Licensing...operates in an ever-changing landscape - some bird species are in decline, which we need to take into account when issuing licences, and there is always new evidence emerging on non-lethal methods of control that can be used or what is causing population change in some species." The campaign continues Our campaign continues and we need more people to share the petition and spread awareness even further. We still haven't reached the next goal of half a million signatures - but I know we can. Here's a link to the petition: CLICK HERE Thanks everyone for your continued support and encouragement. Best, Jase 
Tufted Duck
Excerpt from the licence, showing the numbers of eggs that can be destroyed
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There is a special place I know, an ancient round barrow, here in the quiet Welsh countryside, and not far from where I live.
This small burial mound is four thousand years old, and somewhere deep below the ground lies an undisturbed tomb. Often I will go there for quiet contemplation, as I did today.... Sitting there, in quiet solitude, on the ancient barrow. Dappled sunlight through the oak trees and a soft, warm breeze carrying the perfume of flowers. Calm. I became aware of another soul near me. Just behind me but approaching, drifting. I recognised who it was. It was the soul of the man who was buried below, in this ancient tomb. The soul of a four thousand year old man. I was not frightened but rather comforted by this presence, it was benevolent. I knew that this man had been kind in life. His had been a peaceful existence. He was someone like me, who had enjoyed the timeless beauty of this land, the sound of the birds calling from the trees, the scent of the same flowers, the same perpetual whispering breeze. I could see him, though he was not physical. His eyes were deep, expressive. Sensitive. His face etched with love. His life had ended centuries ago but his love endured. He was a beautiful soul, and I felt he knew me and all of my thoughts. No words, everything had been said, long ago. We sat silently together on this small hill, his tomb, his refuge from a world that had gone awry. And now, for a short while, my refuge also. Each of us deeply aware of the other's existence, we stared at the sky and the green hills. I wanted to stay, to be there until the light faded, but there was no need. For now, time was nothing. Eternity was everything. Life is but for a moment. Love remains. 
The ancient round barrow, 4000 years old, where I go to find refuge from the world.
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