In the wake of the Sunday Times article (11 September), which splashed the advisory group for the National Planning Policy Framework all over the front page and inside too, today’s Daily Telegraph contains an opinion piece by me which explains the RSPB’s position and some of the problems with the Government’s draft. Some of it will be familiar to readers of this blog, and, the headlines aside, I hope it’s a balanced and constructive contribution to the debate.
In a new development, legal advice we’ve commissioned suggests that the protection for Sites of Special Scientific Interest may not be as strong as the Government intends. We’ll keep you posted on this story.
I think I have seed Goshawks throughout the summer nesting and occupying a small area of mature trees in our town of Wantage in Oxfordshire. The land is at threat from development and there is an active campaign to object already underway. I believe Goshawks have some form of protection throughout the year and I am keen to learn more about this. Can anyone advise me on how to get them identified and detail of their protection?
Hi Simon. Does the RSPB charge for its consultancy services when contributing to this kind of national policy formulation process out of interest?
Dom, it certainly wasn't an RSPB consultancy service! RSPB staff members often get asked to contribute to expert groups like this, sometimes on a personal basis (as here), sometimes as the RSPB. We don't charge (and probably wouldn't be asked if we did), but get involved as a way of influencing the policy or whatever is under consideration.