DEFRA's public survey to gather evidence ahead of a review of the General Licences closed on December 5th. We responded to this survey directly, arguing that the control of many of the birds listed, and some that were not listed, is a vital part of successful land management. The ability to control some common birds, in particular corvids, is essential to endangered wild bird populations surviving. Other birds, such as wood pigeons or feral pigeons, can pose significant threats to farming or public health and safety.
The GWCT launched their own survey, which we directed our members to. With over 3000 respondents, they were able to aggregate a large volume of evidence and present it in a pursuasive way to DEFRA.
Our full response can be found here.