There has been an uproar over Natural England’s decision to withdraw general licences for controlling wild bird population last month, leading The British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC) to say the ban would be “disastrous” to the countryside.
On April 23rd, Natural England revoked three ‘pest control’ general licences without any prior consultation, meaning the shooting of birds such as pigeons and crows was no longer permitted.
It is thought the organisation made this decision after environmental group Wild Justice – formed by ex-RSPB boss Mark Avery, BBC naturist Chris Packham, and wildlife writer Ruth Tingay – made a legal challenge against it.
However, since Natural England made these changes, farmers and gamekeepers have expressed their grievances, saying the pests will have a big impact on their crops and livestock.
So disgruntled are farmers that environment secretary Michael Gove has had to step in after the National Farmers’ Union (NFU) showed the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) evidence that lambs have been attacked and crops destroyed since the licences were revoked.
Since then, Natural England has issued replacement licences for birds such as woodpigeons and carrion crows; however, those in farming communities argue there has been lots of confusion and ambiguity over the changes.
According to the Moorlander, the BASC wrote an open letter regarding the ban, saying it was “disastrous” to the wider countryside, with the new licensing rules resulting in a lot of difficulties within farming communities.
“This sudden legal change has caused enormous problems and concern for everyone reliant on general licences, and their withdrawal has come at the worst possible time of year, when lambs, young crops, and nesting birds, including curlew and lapwing, are all in most need of protection from marauding ‘pest’ birds,” the letter said.
The NFU also expressed the importance for farmers to be given “urgent access to general licences which are practical and fully fit for purpose”.
As a result of Natural England revoking the licences, there has been “substantial economic impact” on communities, with farmers losing thousands of pounds thanks to inconsistencies regarding replacement licences and “rushed and unclear temporary mitigation processes”.
Indeed, they have not known how they are legally allowed to protect their livestock and crops from the pests without being penalised themselves.
NFU deputy president Guy Smith stated the actions by Natural England have caused an increase in lamb mortality this season, as a result.
“Defra must take immediate action to ensure that the replacement licences not only give clear legal direction for farmers, but meet the very real needs of farming businesses and allow farmers to effectively protect their livelihoods,” he urged.
The BASC is now asking Mr Gove to consider changes to the general licensing system carefully, stating that the replacement licences are “not fit for purpose”.
A letter supported by the Countryside Alliance, NFU, The Moorland Association, British Game Alliance, Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust, Game Farmers’ Association, CLA, and The National Gamekeepers’ Organisation, claimed Natural England’s response to Wild Justice’s judicial review was “disproportionate, inappropriate, and damaging to the environment and countryside”.
They thanked the environment secretary for taking control of the situation, and have all submitted evidence to show revoking the three general licences has resulted in negative consequences.
The organisations asked for the onus of showing legal control is necessary to go back to the issuing authority and not be placed on the user, so farmers do not have to demonstrate alternative methods have been tried or do not work.
It was also suggested that damage should not have to occur to livestock or crops before action is taken or licences issued, and the licences should cover all the former species, and be simple and easy to understand.
“Every day lost to the on-going crisis sees more gamebirds, wildlife, crops and livestock damaged by these very common problematic birds,” the letter went on to say.
Following this, the BASC also expressed the importance of shooting in helping to protect threatened species in the UK.
It wrote to the Environmental Audi Committee’s invasive species inquiry that mink and grey squirrel control is crucial to help red squirrel and water vole populations thrive.
Head of biodiversity at BASC Ian Danby stated: “People who shoot are part of the solution to that problem and are already involved in the fight to protect vulnerable species from invasive species such as mink which have the ability to decimate water vole populations and grey squirrels which spread squirrel pox to threatened red squirrels and cause an estimated £14 million damage a year to the wider environment.”
The BASC, which is a member of the UK Squirrel Accord to protect red squirrels in Britain and control non-native grey squirrels, asked the committee to highlight the importance of taking action against invasive foreign species and to promote resources to raise awareness about the problem.
The inquiry into invasive species was launched on April 4th by the Environmental Audit Committee, as a result of Britain experiencing a surge in the number of these creatures in the country. It is thought they are collectively causing damage worth up to £1.8 billion a year.
Rising temperatures as a result of climate change are supporting their population increases in the UK, as warmer weather is making it easier for them to survive outside of their usual environment.
Additionally, more animals are being transported into Britain through pet sales, in the ballast water of ships, and because of agricultural and horticultural trade.
To help control pest problems in the UK – whether to protect native species such as red squirrels or to ensure livestock and crops are not damaged – you might want to look at our selection of shotguns for sale and to hire.
We have a wide variety for you to look at from an AJ Jewson 12 Bore Boxlock Ejector to a Holland & Holland ‘Royal Self-Opening 1922 Patent’ Hammerless Ejector Shotgun. Take a look at our website for the entire range.