Response from Natural England reveals more shocking information....
Hi folks,
So today I heard from Natural England.
At last an acknowledgement of sorts to our petition but only in response to a Freedom Of Information request.
It seems that 10 licences have been issued to kill 60 ravens in England, and 45 of these 'protected' birds have been culled to date.
I also asked Natural England for details of licences that they have issued in respect of other avian species. The reply to that question was shocking indeed. Natural England have, since 2015, issued licences permitting the 'lethal control' (ie shooting) of 40 species of bird, many of them RSPB Red or Amber listed and endangered.
The full list of species is on my blog (see link at end of update).
I think this information shows just how important our campaign really is. No longer just for the ravens but for all the other treasured species we have come to love and cherish.
I don't have the numbers for these other species but, you know, when it comes to such beloved birds as the Wren or the Robin, and such iconic species as the Skylark and Raven, well the loss of even one is heartbreaking. And how can anybody possibly justify purposefully killing such a creature?
Please keep sharing the petition.
The more people that sign then the more chance that Natural England and the British Government will have to take notice.
Thanks again for your support,
Best,
Jase