Nature's Heroes - Forum - Recent threads

Thank you and Merry Christmas

KatB RSPB — Fri, 21 Dec 2012 17:17:39 GMT

Thank you for Stepping up for nature and campaigning with the RSPB in 2012.

Have a lovely Christmas and we hope you will continue to help us give nature a voice in 2013!

From the RSPB Campaigns Team

Photo Call!

KatB RSPB — Wed, 19 Dec 2012 14:11:32 GMT

I ve just added a few photos to the Natures Heroes photo album. They were taken at the SCC (stop Climate Chaos) coaltion stunt outside the Treasuary in October. RSPB staff and campaign volunteers took part in the event to call on the treasuary to acknowledge that the 'green economy is working.' The message was backed up by CBI’s announcement that around a third of UK economic growth came from green business in 2011/12. Over 250 SCC members were joined by TV Dragon Deborah Meaden as they lined up wearing green hard hats outside the Treasury. So why not take a look at the photos now and then add some of your own, showing how you Step up for Nature.

Kat, RSPB Campaigns Team

URGENT - Help needed to protect birds in Faversham Creek

Riguez — Mon, 17 Dec 2012 14:54:53 GMT

Hello

I'm writing this post to ask for help from RSPB forum members.

I live next to Faversham Creek in Kent. It's a lovely place to live and is usually visited by swans, geese, ducks, waders and even unusual or rarely seen birds. Many of my neighbours are keen bird watchers but in recent months our enjoyment of the creek has been spoilt by a car wash that operates yards from the creekside.

The noise of the pressure washer has driven the birds away and people who lived in house boats on the creek have been forced to move on. Cleaning chemicals and oil from the cars is, in all likelihood, contaminating the creek and damaging the surrounding reeds which are recognised as an important area of biodiversity, breeding grounds for fish and a nesting area for birds. Since the car wash arrived, reed banks have been dumped with debris and rubbish, destroying nesting grounds. Now, the only birds to be seen are gulls wheeling overhead.

The local council served an enforcement notice against the car wash, which had no planning permission, and cited the above pollution and damage to the environment. However, after an appeal the planning office is now recommending that the business be granted a 'temporary' operating term of three years! By that time, huge damage may be done and I fear that the creekside near the town will be completely devoid of birdlife.

If you live in the area or just feel strongly about the protection of birds against the disproportionately prioritised needs of the motorist then I would be very grateful if you would register an objection, or simply an observation, on this planning site http://www.ukplanning.com/ukp/custom/forwards/selectandsearch.jsp?council=Swale%20Borough%20Council&fwd=search You only have to enter the 'application number' sw/12/1401 and then enter a brief comment. Every objection really helps!

The case is urgent. On Thursday the 20th December, the council planning commitee will debate the application and make their decision. Please help to put pressure on them to make the right one; a decision that protects the environment and allows the continued peaceful co-existence of people and birds.

Thank you

What inspires you to campaign?

KatB RSPB — Wed, 12 Dec 2012 16:44:26 GMT

You ve heard from RSPB Parliamentary Campaigns officer, Martin Abrams in the last Natures Heroes blog talk about what inspired him to become a campaigner now we want to hear from you! What sparked your interest to step up for nature? Was it a person or particular campaign or place? We would love to hear from you so please add a message to the forum. Also if you have any campaign related photos, why not add them to the Natures Heroes photos section.

We look forward to hearing from you..

RSPB Camapaigns Team

Have you sent your letter yet?

KatB RSPB — Tue, 27 Nov 2012 16:02:32 GMT

No im not talking about your Christmas list to Father Christmas- Im talking about responding to the Law Commission public consultation on the proposed reform of the laws that protect wildlife in England and Wales.The Law Commission is now considering the introduction of vicarious liability, which holds land owners and managers to account for wildlife crimes committed by their staff, as well as other improvements to some of the UK’s outdated laws.

So if you havent sent a letter of response yet please do, but time is running out the consultation closes on November 30^th so your response must have been received by the Law Commission by then to be counted. For more information and points you might like to include please click here

Got a question for Nick Clegg on Rio+20? Ask now!

Naomi Rose — Wed, 20 Jun 2012 14:30:02 GMT

Hi all,

Most of you will probably be aware that leaders from around the world are currently gathered in Rio de Janeiro for the Rio+20 Earth Summit to discuss sustainable development, 20 years on from the original Earth Summit.

As you may know, the Deputy Prime Minister, Rt Hon Nick Clegg MP will be leading the UK Government's delegation in Rio. Last week he shared with us his ambitions for Rio+20 on RSPB Conservation Director Martin Harper's blog - have a read of the post here.

This is your opportunity to ask Nick Clegg any burning questions you might have about the Earth Summit. Do you have a burning question you'd like to ask the Deputy Prime Minister on Rio+20? If so, ask below and we’ll pick the best 20 questions for the Deputy Prime Minister to answer on his return from Rio+20.

Thanks

Naomi

Why I LOVE being a Campaigns Champion...

Laura Harpham — Tue, 12 Jun 2012 16:29:57 GMT

Why I love being a Campaigns Champion – by Laura Harpham

A trait I’m sure I share with many of you is that I try to be ‘green’. I buy recycled kitchen paper, I shop ‘local’ and I’m happy my RSPB membership goes towards important conservation work (90p of every pound, brilliant!). I know that little steps, steps we can all take, add up to a huge difference. That’s what Stepping Up For Nature is all about.

So, I’m a shopper... a member... a recycler... but what else am I? Just like you, I’m also a constituent. I’m a voter and as such I have more power than I often give myself credit for.

Here at the RSPB we’re realistic. We know the steps people take for nature everyday and incredibly powerful. We also know that we need the Government on board to get the results we need for nature.

Last week I emailed David Cameron to ask him to support 30% emission cuts by 2020.It look three minutes. I went online, entered my name and postcode added a few lines about the chance for Britain to blaze a trail of green across the world (or words to that affect), clicked ‘Enter’ and got on with my day.

A couple of months ago I wrote a letter to my local MP about nature and the budget statement. I don’t know much about politics; I just know I love nature and the Government has the power to help save nature. I got a letter back with responses to my concerns.
You can imagine how empowering it feels to be in direct conversation with the Government about issues I care about. To be doing something.

As a Campaigns Champion I get support and guidance from the RSPB when speaking up for nature. I can get as involved as I wish and dedicate as much or as little time as I wish to it.

Why do I do it? Because in 5...10...20 years time I don’t want to look at the world and think ‘Why didn’t I do something to help when I had the chance? Why did I rely on others to make the difference?’

I want to look at the world and think ‘I did this. Nature is healthier because of the part I played.’

Maybe, right now, you’re thinking ‘I don’t need to get involved. Other people will do it’. But why wouldn’t you want to be involved?

I love it! I’m sure you’ll love the feeling of making a difference as much as I do.

To find out how you can get involved get in touch by visiting www.rspb.org.uk/steppingup and clicking on Campaign.

Stamps for Nature

Tom — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 10:11:34 GMT

We are looking for feedback on the stamp appeal. We currently collect your donated stamps for the albatross campaign. We would like to know if people prefer to give to a specific appeal (The albatross campaign) or a cause (RSPB)?

[Please visit the site to access the poll]

Protect birds of prey - sign the e-petition to prosecute English landowners for raptor persecution

Spoonbill — Sat, 25 Feb 2012 21:47:52 GMT

Someone at my local RSPB group alerted me to a very interesting article in this month's Birdwatch magazine by Mark Avery.

In England, only gamekeepers usually prosecuted and landowners who turn a blind eye to persecution on their land are not liable.(This is not the case in Scotland.)

This e-petition calls for a change in law to protect Birds of Prey, but 100,000 signatures are needed before this is debated. Please help, you only need to enter your name, home address and e-mail.

http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/23089

P.S. Sorry the text is large. I couldn't seem to change it!

Campaign Champion Activist - Meeting your MP for the first time

vulclen — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 17:07:25 GMT

Hi my name is Len and I am an RSPB Campaign Champion Activist. I recently met my MP to talk about a number of environmental concerns
I have, and thought it would be good to share my experience and offer you some hints and tips so you get the most out of meeting your MP when the time comes.

The role of Campaign Champion Activist will involve you meeting with local policy formers including councillors and your local MP.
Unless you are practised in such matters, meeting your MP for the first could be a daunting prospect. However, if you are properly prepared things are more likely to go smoothly and successfully. Having already gone through this process I offer the following commonsense advice.

- Learn as much about your MP as possible, nearly all MPs will have a website where you can see what they has spoken about the in the House of Commons and any parliamentary questions that they have asked, it will also give you an idea as to what their outside interest are and where They stand on local issues. There are also many websites that offer “Pen pictures” of MPs

- Make an appointment with your MP. Most MPs will only available to you on Fridays although some London MPs may hold “surgeries”
more than once a week.

- An MP will typically offer you a ten minute slot. You must be aware that MPs usually have very limited time to offer it is up to you to make the best use of this time.

- Decide what you can realistically cover in the time that is available. Don’t crowd the agenda, but equally have something in reserve in the unlikely event that you run short of material.

- Carefully research the subjects that you want to discuss. The RSPB site and any briefing provided by them is the obvious
starting point. However, if you can relate national policy to local issues this will be of a bonus. Write a brief for yourself in your own language.

- Be clear in your own mind what outcome you want to achieve on each subject.

- Depending on your MP they may or may not know a lot about the subjects that you raise. You will probably find that at your MP will be quick to grasp the pertinent facts from your presentation and will appreciate brevity. Unless detail is highly relevant it is best to deal in general terms outlining the important policy issues rather than go into too much detail. However a fact or statistic will not come amiss! If clarification or further detail is required your MP will normally ask for it! Try not to get sidetracked into discussion of minutiae. Try not to get into political debate

- On the day of the meeting arrive early, as I said previously an MP’s time is vital you are unlikely to get more time than allotted for the appointment.

- Dress smartly but a jacket and tie are not required. Wear RSPB logoed clothing if you have it! This may help to give you a certain authority and a sense of purpose.

- Take the brief you prepared with you if you feel this would help you. Be prepared for the meeting to be attended by a third party- usually the MPs researcher, secretary or case worker

- Once the formalities of introductions are over make sure that you give explain the Campaign Activist role briefly and then set
out your agenda for the meeting. Speak clearly and slowly. If you get stuck refer back to your brief – that is what it is there for!

- Keep a check on your time, if you are behind time try to make a decision to cover the most important subjects. You can take
up anything you missed later by e-mail or letter

- At the end of the meeting run over what has been agreed as a course of action on each subject. This is likely to be that they
will take the issue up with the appropriate Minister or Government Department or Local Council usually by letter or e-mail. This is the usual first gateway into the policy arena. Subsequent action could include a written or oral question or Early Day Motion in the House or meetings with the Minister.

- Always, Always, Always thank your MP for the opportunity to discuss your /RSPB’s concerns. If possible agree how you will
deal with further issues as they arise- hopefully a further meeting will be offered (as and when issues arise) however you might also like to keep your MP briefed through e-mails.

The Meeting
itself.....

I recently met James Duddridge MP for Rochford and Southend East. At my meeting we discussed the Marine Act and the need for the Government to act more quickly on the consultation and implementation of the European legislation he promised to look into this further with three Minister (Benyon). He was particularly interested as hedidn't seem to be aware that the proposals included his constituency. Though he was aware that a neighbouring constituency had raised some concerns through it's harbour master. I also pointed out that downwind of one of the proposeddesignated areas was also an important wintering ground for Brent Geese and that designation would also help to preserve this. It would also help in arguments against the revived call for an estuary airport. I knew in advance that my MP was opposed this.

We also discussed the Big School and Big Garden Bird Watch and he agreed to publicise the latter both through his website and through a press release.

We also discussed the RSPB local reserves currently being developed in the area.

We did not have adequate time to discuss the Chancellor’s Autumn statement on development but I subsequently e-mail the MP with my concerns
about this asking them to take this up with the relevant Government Departments.

Hopefully this gives you a brief insight into face to face meetings with MPs,

Happy Campaigning!

Len

Happy Christmas to All Nature's Heroes

Martin Abrams — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 12:10:47 GMT

Hi there, just wanted to extend a huge Happy Christmas to all Nature's Heroes and thank everyone for all their hard work in 2011.

Hope everyone has a great festive period and here's to a great 2012!

From Martin and all in the Campaigns Team at the RSPB

Government to proceed with Badger cull

Naomi Rose — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 13:21:24 GMT

Hi all,

I'm sure you've all heard that the UK Government has decided to proceed with a badger cull - it's sad and disappointing news. You can read what the RSPB's Conservation Director Martin Harper has to say about it in his latest blog post as well as some of the latest news in the media here and here.

What are your thoughts on it?

Naomi

Marine Conservation - let's Step Up for Nature and hold the Government to account

Blue Wren — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 18:09:14 GMT

Tuesday morning saw a group of RSPB supporters Stepping up for Nature and converging
on Church House in Westminster to meet with Richard Benyon, Under-Secretary for
the Natural Environment & Fisheries. In that role he has responsibility
for, among other things, biodiversity, wildlife and the Marine & Coastal
Access Act – and the purpose of our meeting with him was to discuss the issue
of Marine Conservation Zones (MCZs) under that Act. I was very pleased to be part of that RSPB group
given the opportunity to hold the Minister to account on this issue.

On 15 November, Mr Benyon had announced that the decision on
the 127 MCZs put forward, was to be delayed because of “gaps” in the scientific
evidence base. This delay is worrying for everyone who cares about marine life
and I was keen to try to get some answers on what this meant for the overall
timetable – what the government was going to do to ensure that these “gaps”
were filled as quickly as possible, decisions made on designating MCZs – and then
action taken.

Mr Benyon told us that he was keen to put in place an
ecologically coherent network of MCZs and that he believed that for about a
quarter of the 127 proposed MCZs, there was already adequate (or nearly
adequate) scientific evidence – so it should not take long to look at these and
be ready to make decisions. For the others, he told us he had commissioned
further work in Defra to collect evidence, including work to look at the
protection of mobile species (which may not have been properly covered by the
127 zones put forward but are now being considered thanks to comments by RSPB
and others). In his answers he said that decisions should be possible on the
first MCZs by early 2013 (with decisions on other areas a few months later).
Unfortunately he was not able to tell us when the protection and practical
action would then be in place, but he did indicate that he expected in the
region of 20%+ of our waters to be covered by zones when adopted.

Overall, I was pleased with Mr Benyon’s responses – he came
across as someone who is keen to ensure that the MCZs come into force – and are
sustainable, credible and have the positive effect we are all looking for.
Whether there is sufficient support for this elsewhere in Government remains to
be seen – but as his positive statements came just hours before the Chancellor’s
threats of attack on the Habitats Regulations, I think all RSPB members will
want to keep a close eye on progress on MCZs and ensure that Mr Benyon keeps
his promises.

Marine Question Time with the Minister by Alan Parfitt

redkite — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 15:14:33 GMT

In my role as one of a number of RSPB Campaign Champoins, I was very pleased to be invited on Tuesday 29th November to attend the RSPB Marine Question Time with the Minister Mr Richard Benyon. He is responsible for biodiversity within Defra and as part of this responsibility he is currently deciding on the designation of marine conservation zones (MCZs) under the 2009 Marine Conservation Act which the RSPB work so hard over such a long period, to bring about. The Question Time went off extremely well. There was constructive discussion between the Minister and the audience without any hint of hostility on either side. I think it helped each side to better understanding and I thought there was definite progress made. The dialogues with the Minister managed to elucidate a number of important facts and figures that he is aiming to achieve, including timings. We all hope he is able to bring these about. It was a very enjoyable morning, so STEP UP FOR NATURE with the RSPB I thoroughly enjoy it and recommend it, You never know what the next STEPPING UP topic will be!

some startling tropical forest facts for you to share with your social networks

Emily Sanders — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 18:19:38 GMT

Please do share these facts with your friends, followers, colleagues and families. And, if you're on twitter, tag your messages #africaconnect and #climate...

"By the time you've read this, an area of tropical forest the size of Wembley Stadium will have been destroyed."

"Did you know that 15ha tropical forest is lost every minute = 1500 tonnes carbon."

Nature's taking a pounding from all sides today, let's help reinforce the vital role tropical forests play in the climate change debate before Minister Chris Huhne jets off to the Durban Climate Negotiations.

Thanks everyone!
Emily

Tell Chris Huhne 'Don't rip up the climate rulebook'.

Emily Sanders — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 10:38:03 GMT

Right now, climate change minister Chris Huhne is preparing to attend world climate talks in South Africa. That means it’s a crunch moment on climate change for the government that promised to be the ‘greenest ever’.

Please take a minute to send Chris Huhne an email to help him realise how important it is to commit the UK to International climate rules.

http://www.38degrees.org.uk/page/speakout/email-chris-huhne

I'd also love to know what worries you most about climate change so please do drop me a note below.

Thanks everyone!

Emily

Invitation to marine ‘Question Time’ event with Defra Minister Richard Benyon MP

Steven Roddy — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 18:36:44 GMT

As you know the RSPB has been campaigning for the protection of our marine environment, and our magnificent marine wildlife, for over a decade. We now have the national and international laws that should have resulted in our campaign coming to an end. However, significant concerns about how these laws are being implemented means we fear the needs of some of our most precious sea life are not being considered properly. As things stand there is a real risk that seabirds, and other marine wildlife, will remain unprotected.

Because of this our campaign has continued and, with your help, we have been collecting signatures in support of a call for ministers in governments across the UK to step up and safeguard our sea life at sea. Since March, over 48,000 people have stepped up for nature and signed the pledge.

On Tuesday 29 November the RSPB is holding an event to mark the second anniversary of the Marine Act becoming law. As part of our efforts to ensure that the law is implemented in a way that safeguards our seabirds and other marine wildlife, we will also use this event to show the UK Government how much support our campaign continues to receive.

This is an important time in the implementation phase. Next year there will be a public consultation on what site to protect, and very soon civil servants and Ministers will be short-listing the sites that will be included in that consultation. If we don’t act now to highlight the needs of seabirds and other marine wildlife, the sites they desperately need for feeding and breeding may not be included let alone designated. So, whilst we will celebrate the Marine Act we will also take the opportunity to call for it to be implemented in the right way.

The event will be hosted by the RSPB’s Conservation Director, Martin Harper, and be attended by the UK’s Minister for the Marine Environment, Richard Benyon MP. The event will offer you an opportunity to put your questions to the Minister in a ‘Question Time’ style session that will be streamed live on the Internet.

The event will be held between 10am and 1pm on Tuesday 29 November, in central London. Entry is free, but places in the live audience are limited and will be allocated on a first-come-first-served basis so please book your place now to avoid disappointment. As with the BBC’s Question Time programme, we would ask that you let us know the question you wish to ask in advance and, if selected, you will be called on to ask the Minister your question from the audience.

To book a place for yourself and no more than one guest, or submit a question, please e-mail steppingup@rspb.org.uk. You can book a place without submitting a question (if you want to submit a question later you can do so any time up until 18 November). You can also submit a question without booking a place – if your question is chosen it will be asked on your behalf by Martin Harper and you can watch the Minister answer live online. If you would like any more information on the event please e-mail the above address.

Thanks in advance for the support and we look forward to reading your questions, and meeting you on the day.

Steven and Emily

Energy Saving Week 2011 - tips to save energy?

IanH — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 12:21:42 GMT

Hi all

As it's energy saving week from the 24 -28 October, what energy saving tips can you think of?

Find out more about this via the link below.

http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/Take-action/Energy-Saving-Week-2011

Let us know your ideas!

New petition - Safeguard our Seas

IanH — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 11:13:22 GMT

Hi All

Just a quick link to draw your attention to our online petition to safeguard our seas. You can read more and pledge your support via the links below. Please spread the word and help us gather support, as always your efforts are much appreciated!

https://www.rspb.org.uk/applications/inforequest/index.aspx?dt=SUNITH0021

http://www.rspb.org.uk/supporting/campaigns/sealife/index.aspx

For interest, have a look at a recent media story here which highlights some of the dangers facing our marine environment.

CAP follow up e-action

IanH — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 14:06:16 GMT

In case you have not seen it already, we currently are featuring on our home page a new e-action calling for reforms to the CAP system that will benefit wildife, demanding greening, not greenwash. You can take action via the link here.

Eco Friendly products - what do we think?

Anonymous — Thu, 28 Jul 2011 12:11:44 GMT

Hi there

Not sure if this is the best place for this thread - so please move if neccessary

I have noticed a recent trend now of Eco friendly products and I for one, have used them over the years....but have lost sight of what I was doing for the general health of the environment.

Now I see that white goods ie washing machines in particular are trying to show their true colours in admitting that they want to improve the climate ie cut down on electricity bills, using washing products that are friendly to the environment etc...

Washing Machines believe in the 30 degrees cycle and so forth...is that good for washing or do we think different here?

What are our views on this new 'image' of Eco friendly products here, and what are our thoughts on current issues?

Can we do better?

Regards

Kathy and Dave

Save your landscapes!

Steven Roddy — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 09:54:28 GMT

Hi all

I’m sure you’ve all noticed the media coverage that has accompanied the launch of the National Planning Policy Framework. The RSPB shares many of the concerns raised by other environmental NGOs about the potential threat it poses to our natural environment. You can find out more about what we think by reading Martin Harper’s blog. If you share our concerns you can also step up and support our campaign by making a submission to the public consultation.

Thanks!

Steven

Can filmmaking can save the world?

rowan — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 09:20:49 GMT

Hello!

My name is Rowan and I'm a short film-maker.

First and foremost, I'd better admit, I AM promoting a film that I am making. But moreover I think there is a debate to be had about the purpose and potential of independent narrative film to explore human and environmental issues.

About six months ago I wrote a story about a boy walking home from school through a hayfield. He stumbles across a dead crow, with twine around its neck. The boy is overcome with pity, and decides that he must find a way to set the creature free. But he is watched by a less than empathetic girl (who may have been the perpetrator). Unwittingly cruel, she decides to toy with him and the bird. The consequences of both their actions, his naivety and her apathy, are nearly devastating.

This is perhaps a familiar fable, and very familiar to me. I was appalled at the abject cruelty and thoughtlessness of some other children as I grew up, and simply couldn't understand their motives. Adapting this story into a script and making a short film is both a kind of catharthis, and an sensitive exploration of what causes different attitudes to animals and wild creatures. And in offering the potential that these attitudes can be changed, I hope the film will be inspirational to young people and adults alike, and encourage respect and understanding of other living creatures.

I know that all too often, short narrative films are made to be 'adverts' for the filmmakers or made to be/look 'cool', and often have no underlying ideas - which sadly and unnecessarily sets them apart from documentary films. This may have contributed to the lack of funding or finance available to short narrative filmmakers. But independent film is in the perfect media to overcome stereotypes and cliches, to make something a little different - that will make others think differently. The genre of short film (usually 5-20 minutes) is reasonably affordable for the filmmakers to raise the budget themselves. The length is perfect to explore thought-provoking ideas through a microcosm of a moment in time. Film is one of the most democratic forms of art, and can be understood and interpreted by everyone.

In my opinion, short film needs funding. Not to promote the career of a director or a cinematographer, or promote the funding body, or to make money. But to encourage the making of a kind of art that engages everyone and can really make a difference to the world... DISCUSS!

Our film 'Bird' is due to be filmed in three weeks, on location in the Scottish Borders. If you are interested please visit www.indiegogo.com/bird to read more about the project. Thank you!

[Post edited by Moderators]

Fen Drayton Lakes Tramline to be functional in August 2011

Anonymous — Fri, 08 Jul 2011 12:19:18 GMT

Hi there

A new functional tramline at Fen Drayton Lakes (RSPB) in the UK

My partner, and myself visited this area quite recently, and we understand that there is going to be a Tram Bus service out for people to use in the near future, and it has got the go ahead now, and in the future.

We have listened to our local news on TV in Bedford, and we understand that the Tram Bus Layout are being incorporated into the main stream public transport at the present moment of time

This is to relieve the A14 Motorway of all the car traffic, so people can use public transport in the area as an alternative view of transport to their area.

What are the views of this new Tramline? Is it a good omen or not?

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england...shire-13989614
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england...shire-13199411
http://www.cambridgebirdclub.org.uk/sitepages/fendr.htm

Regards
Kathy and Dave

Birds being shot in Malta

Jenni Morgan — Mon, 04 Jul 2011 06:15:31 GMT

Hi All,

This was posted in "Wildlife Protection" Is it something this group could get involved in?

"Spoonbill ringed in Hungary shot dead in Malta"

"Yesterday afternoon, a spoonbill ringed as a chick in Hungary, was shot dead by poachers driving past the Salini Bird Reserve, and its body collected by a car following behind.

The shooting broke a number of national and EU laws: spoonbills are protected birds under national and EU law, it is currently closed season, no hunting may take place within Bird Sanctuaries, and no shooting may take place within 50 metres of a main road.

The road running alongside the site of the shooting is very busy, and the area is overlooked by a number of blocks of flats. BirdLife are appealing for witnesses to help bring the poachers to justice.

http://www.birdlifemalta.org/view.aspx?id=325

Events like this increase during migration season. Join BirdLife Malta's Raptor Camp this autumn - 14th September - 2nd October to help us monitor and deter these illegal incidents.

http://www.birdlifemalta.org/Content/conservation/raptorcamp2011/1109/"

Since a lot of our migratory birds pass through Malta, what happens there is, I think, our business too,

Can you all look at the thread and have a think about perhaps emailing the relevant guys in the Maltese Government?

Cheers

Jenni