23 October 2008

Government, conservationists, shooting and welfare groups agree to cherish and protect England’s birds of prey.

On 23 October, Huw Irranca-Davies MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State, Defra, will be at an event to celebrate the recovery of England’s birds of prey.

He will put his name to a pledge recognising their importance to our natural heritage and stating there should be no place in England's future for the illegal killing of birds of prey.

Joining him at the National Trust’s Gibside Estate, Newcastle will be representatives from 25 organisations including the British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC), Natural England, the National Gamekeepers’ Organisation (NGO) and RSPCA.

Dr Mark Avery, the RSPB’s Director of Conservation said: “Today is a massive step in the right direction for the conservation of England’s birds of prey.

“I’m delighted the Minister recognises the importance of birds of prey both internationally and to local communities.”

“We know what can be achieved when we get it right and the continuing recovery of red kites in England, including here in the Derwent Valley is a great example. We now need to get it right for other birds of prey like the hen harrier, which is on the verge of extinction in England because of illegal killing.

“The only way we can stamp out the illegal killing of birds of prey is by everyone with an interest in our countryside working together.”

Huw Irranca-Davies, Minister for Wildlife said: “Our countryside would be a poorer place without birds of prey, and their numbers have recovered to their highest since the Second World War thanks to the efforts of many people, so it is great to see so many people signing the pledge to protect birds of prey.
 

“I want to help these magnificent birds thrive, and the international agreement the UK signed this week with countries from Europe, Asia and Africa to protect them when they migrate shows that the government is committed to their survival.”

BASC Chief Executive, John Swift, said: “Working together is addressing issues of strict protection and impacts on the rural economy. Strict protection under the law can only be anticipated if due regard is given to local rural communities and peoples’ livelihoods. By working together we can find good solutions.”

Sir Martin Doughty, Chair of Natural England said: "Conservationists and countryside managers are today standing shoulder to shoulder to help make safe our land and skies for birds of prey. "At a time of increasing pressure on our natural environment from climate change, economic development, and food production we must make space for nature - and keep these magnificent birds in our lives.

"By working together to improve their habitat and demonstrating that harmful acts will not be tolerated, birds of prey can have a hopeful future."

Mick Wilkes, the National Trust’s Property Manager for Gibside, said: “We are extremely pleased that such an important event is taking place at our Gibsibe Estate.

"We are proud partners of the Northern Kites Project and are delighted that the red kite’s recovery is central to this celebration.

“The support the red kites have received from local communities, especially schools, has been fantastic”.