• The conservationist's dilemma: an update on the science, policy and practice of the impact of predators on wild birds
    Today, I am speaking that the National Gamekeeper's Organisation AGM. I was pleased to be invited and it promises to be an interesting meeting. I expect a bit of reciprocal challenge and, hopefully...
  • The conservationist's dilemma: an update on the science, policy and practice of the impact of predators on wild birds (7)
    Readers of this blog will be aware of the Gough Island Restoration Programme , but for those unfamiliar with the story I want to give a quick recap. As Patrick Barkham wrote in the Observer earlier this...
  • The conservationist's dilemma: an update on the science, policy and practice of the impact of predators on wild birds (6)
    Conservation is often about making tough decisions about when to intervene and when not to. Sometimes - as is the case for vertebrate control - these decisions can be controversial. In the end, decisions...
  • The conservationist's dilemma: an update on the science, policy and practice of the impact of predators on wild birds (4)
    Deciding to introduce any form of predator control (lethal or non-lethal) is something we never take lightly. It’s always based on evidence* and guided by our Council-agreed policy. The RSPB’s approach...
  • The conservationist's dilemma: an update on the science, policy and practice of the impact of predators on wild birds (3)
    I spent half-term with the family in the sun in the Cairngorms National Park. As we have two of our most iconic reserves there, Abernethy and Insh Marshes, I was keen to pay a visit. It was great to...