Watchdog permits 170,000 wild bird killings in five years

Exclusive: Natural England licensed killing or destruction of nests of 70 species, some of them rareThe government’s conservation watchdog has issued licences to destroy 170,000 wild birds, their eggs or their nests, including rare and declining species such as curlew and swifts, in the past five years.Natural England has given permission to kill birds of more than 70 species, or have their nests and eggs destroyed. These include peregrine falcons, barn owls, buzzards and red kites, alongside garden favourites such as robins, blackbirds and blue tits. A licence was even issued to destroy a wrens’ nest to “preserve public safety” in South Yorkshire. Continue reading…
Via: Watchdog permits 170,000 wild bird killings in five years