Sir, Those accusing the government of dishonesty might reflect on their own actions first (“The RSPB has accused the government of being dishonest about its conservation efforts”, Sep 14). The continued reliance on legal protection has failed some species, such as the declining hedgehog population because this ignores the fact that the badger population, which is killing and eating them, is rising.
Ironically it’s the government that’s willing to be honest about the limitations of legal protection, hence why it chose to work alongside land managers to recover the hen harrier population in England – a scheme which has just achieved the best results in 20 years – success the RSPB is now trying to halt in court. Farmers and other working conservationists recognise that our wildlife needs a more proactive approach and we welcome news that hundreds have already signed a pledge to see this happen - join them and sign it here >
Andrew Gilruth
GWCT Director of Communications
Stand up for a more positive approach to conservation by signing the Working for Wildlife pledge
We believe the UK urgently needs a more positive approach to conservation, one that empowers land managers to make a long-term commitment to conservation and embrace the views of the local community.
If you agree, please sign our pledge calling for conservationists across the UK to work together with all those that manage our countryside.
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