I am somewhat confused at the RSPB's lack of support for the ban on driven grouse shooting. Apart from the criminality and environmental destruction associated with driven grouse shooting, there is the simple fact that every year hundreds of thousands of red grouse, a native, endemic, species are killed for no good reason.
Some may be eaten but the vast majority are just wasted, as is the case with large scale pheasant and partridge shoots. As the RSPB is frequently assailed by the forces behind these unsustainable, anachronistic practises that are underpinned by massive criminality, I do not understand why you are not more pro-active in supporting the measures to get it banned. That three individuals, under the incorporated name WildJustice, have done more to highlight the criminality (ironically, often using the information produced by the magnificent RSPB Investigations team) and their implacable opposition to it and have, arguably, done more make the general public aware of the issue than the RSPB, is surely an embarrassment?
Why not put your massive support behind the latest petition to get it banned? The shooting industry already hate you, so what have you got to lose? You are losing members who are unhappy at your perceived ambivalence to the campaign, perhaps you could persuade them to change their minds?
Simon Tucker
Regards,
Ian.