All that was lacking was a fly past by storks, otherwise the Stork Festival was a great day. Wall to wall sun, a large number of stalls, many concerned with care of the environment. Good attendance. Our stall attracted interest, a number expressed support, including a lady and gentleman from Oxford who had been visiting Knepp for the nightingales and so heard about the Festival.
No doubt most of us find the sight of birds in flight a great spectacle, especially large birds (not only storks) raising our spirits as they soar on the wind. A recent RSPB report ‘Patterns of Persecution’ reveals a sad situation. Nearly 1,000 protected birds of prey were known to have been illegally killed between 2015 and 2024. In this period 319 Buzzards, 157 Red Kites and 97 Peregrines, plus 15 other species, such as Hen Harriers, were recorded victims of crime. Certainly many more went unrecorded. Much of this is linked to the gamebird business. On some estates birds of prey are not only trapped, shot or poisoned. Their nests, eggs and chicks are destroyed. The reason? To maximise the number of gamebirds (e.g. pheasants) available for shooting.
The difficulty is linking anyone to these crimes. Only 24 people were convicted between 2015 and 2024, two thirds were involved with the business, more than half being gamekeepers.
What is to be done? Licensing for gamebird shooting. This would enable licenses to be withdrawn where crimes are shown to have been committed. At present there is little fear of conviction. The aim is to encourage best practice while properly respecting the rights of well run estates. Scotland has already introduced licensing for grouse shooting. This should be extended for all of the UK. Our magnificent birds of prey, including White Tailed Eagles, are native species – pheasants are not – they are fine looking birds but were introduced from Asia. There are few wild in this country. The very great majority are bred for shooting, a profitable business. They can’t shoot back!
The work party on Saturday on 6th June was at Hurston Warren clearing invasive bracken from the important SSSI. On three June Thursday afternoons Balsam Bashing by local streams resumed. There are some signs there is not so much this year – perhaps last year’s efforts? On 4th July the work party at 10.00am is again at Hurston Warren to continue with clearance work. As ever all are welcome to share in this essential work of conservation. Gardening kit advised. Tools, good company and refreshments provided.
For information about this and our other activities, or on becoming a member, or offering advice, please get in touch with Chairman Mick Denness on 01903 745971, or see our website www.storringtonconservation.org.uk/.
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