Stop the Corvid cull

Posted on the 8th February 2011

The Songbird Survival Trust – several of whose most prominent figures own shoots or have strong shooting connections – has called for a cull on corvids (magpies, crows, jackdaws etc). This is despite there being evidence that these birds do not cause the deaths of songbirds as the Trust claims. It is reasonable to conclude that the group’s close connection to the shooting industry lies behind its cull plans given that shooters blame corvids for eating pheasant chicks and the feed intended for ‘game’ birds.

The group’s dubious motives were exposed in The Sunday Times on February 6th. Nick Forde, the Trust’s principle spokesman could not identify any of the three most endangered songbirds, despite claiming to be passionate about them. He had no trouble, however, identifying a pheasant. Read the article in the Sunday Times (registration required)

The corvid cull is backed by the Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT), which also boasts a number of leading figures who shoot or profit from shooting. Read the article in The Telegraph.

How can I help?

  • Write to Defra to oppose the cull:
    Caroline Spelman, Secretary of State for the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Nobel House, 17 Smith Square, London SW1P 3JR
  • Contact the Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust on 020 7290 0110
 or email to politely voice your objection.
  • Attend the demonstration outside the GWCT’s office in London:
    Meet: 12pm, Saturday 19th February
    Contact on the day: Paul
    Tel number on the day: 0799 981 2994
    Address: 26 Mortimer St, W1W 7RB

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