Environment Food and Rural Affairs written question – answered at on 13 September 2010.
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps she is taking to protect the (a) corncrake, (b) bittern, (c) black grouse, (d) black-tailed godwit, (e) cirl bunting and (f) turtle dove population; and if she will make a statement.
All six species (including their nests, eggs and young) are fully protected by domestic legislation in England: the corncrake, bittern, black-tailed godwit, cirl bunting and turtle dove through the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended), and the black grouse (which is a quarry species) through the Game Acts. The corncrake, bittern, black-tailed godwit and cirl bunting are listed on Schedule 1 of the Act, so special penalties apply to those who disturb these species whilst at, on or near their nests. The corncrake and bittern are on Annex 1 of EU Directive 79/409 on the Conservation of Wild Birds. Where present in appropriate numbers, these species are recognised as interest features of Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) and part of the qualifying interest of special protection areas. Many also occur on reserves managed by Natural England and/or its non-governmental organisation partners.
As a result of recent or historic population declines, all six species appear on the UK 'Red' list of 'Birds of Conservation Concern' meaning they are of high conservation concern, and all are recognised as priority species by the UK Biodiversity Action Plan. Effective conservation action for these species is a thus seen as a high priority, both for Government through its agencies (notably Natural England) and for non-governmental organisations such as the RSPB, with which we work in close partnership.
Yes1 person thinks so
No0 people think not
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