I had a few questions of my own so submitted an FOI to:
You can do the same too.
Here’s NRW’s statement on Licencing to kill Ravens:
Here’s what I asked:
Q1. Is it still 4
licences that have been granted in Wales and are the total number of birds
declared as being killed still correct.
NRW: Yes a total
of four licences have been approved for the shooting of ravens since January
2015 to the current date. Note that two of these were for the same site, which
had problems with ravens in two different years.
Q2. (if possible)
the general area where the licences have been granted and whether NRW have
concerns with regards to proximity to sites where wildlife crime has been
recorded. Is this a consideration? Do
you consult the RCU on proximity to the above sites where licences are granted?
NRW: 2
Denbighshire different years but same site, 1 Vale of Glamorgan and 1
Gwynedd. NRW does not take into account
proximity to wildlife crime sites and does not consult the RCU on such matters.
Q3: What
non-lethal methods were used before the granting of licences.
NRW: Non-lethal
methods have included: Human presence,
CD’s on poles and hung on trees lasers, Bags hung on trees, Radio noises,
distraction feeding.
Q4: What
non-lethal scaring methods were used at the time of killing?
NRW: The licence
conditions specify the way ravens must be killed or how the eggs/nests should
be destroyed. The licence only allows killing of ravens to be undertaken using
the most humane methods possible. For instance, shooting must only take place
when birds are close enough to ensure a clean kill. The report form does not specify the scaring
methods used at the time of the killing, however condition 21 does state that “
Co-ordinated scaring programme including non-lethal shooting to scare must be
used in conjunction with the shooting.”
Q5: Why is there
such a high maximum number given per licence to lethal methods? I have been an ornithologist for 30 years and
have only seen 75 birds or more at a roost site. Why grant one site that limit? They cannot
know that have a problem with 75 birds as they wouldn’t be on site at one time,
unless it was a roost site.
NRW: This figure
is unique for each licence. This depends on the nature of the problem and how
many ravens are causing the problem in question. A licence application form includes a legal
declaration. The applicant is required to sign the form to confirm that the
information provided is correct to the best of their knowledge and belief. Any
false information provided within the application form would constitute as an
offence.
Q6: How NRW
controls the method and limit on the killing.
It looks like one site has had a licence to kill 50 then 25 birds to
protect livestock then pheasants. This
rings alarm bells for the reasoning and justification especially if it is close
to a hot spot of wildlife crime.
NRW: NRW controls
the method of killing via the conditions on the licence. Condition 6 states that “Birds must only be
shot in range to ensure a clean kill”.
Condition 7 states that “Wounded birds must be pursued and humanely
dispatched”.
The number of birds to be killed under a licence is decided
on a case by case basis, taking into account the nature of the problem, the
amount of birds causing a problem, and whether alternative scaring techniques
have been deployed.
Q7: How does each
site actively self-police only to shoot to protect livestock under attack? Are areas baited or decoyed and is this
policed? I work closely with a few
farmers and they tell me carrion crows are far more damaging to lambs than
ravens are.
NRW: The licence
is a legal document and is granted under section 16(1)(k) of the Wildlife and
Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) specifically for the purpose of preventing
serious damage to livestock. As such,
birds must only be shot for this purpose, and any deviation from this would
constitute as an offence. It is the
licence holder’s legal responsibility to ensure that shooting is only
undertaken for this purpose. NRW does
not police the licence activities.
Q8: Is there a
buffer zone between sites granted licences
NRW: There has
not been a need to consider buffer zones as NRW has only granted 4 licences
since its formation in 2013. The total
of applications received is low.
Q9: Does the
recent AM/NRW decision to ban shooting and rearing of pheasants on NRW land
have a bearing on proximity of licences to kill ravens in future. Should ravens on NRW land be killed on
neighbouring land should that rearing or shooting move to neighbouring land.
NRW: NRW will assess each application on its own
merits and this would have no bearing on our decision making process.
Q10: Does NRW
request proof that eggs were destroyed and not chicks?
NRW: NRW has
issued 1 licence for the removal of 1 raven nest to preserve public health and
public safety. NRW requests proof in the
report form, where the licensee must declare how many nests and or eggs were
removed under the licence. Condition 81
stated that “no birds shall be killed under this licence”.
Q11: Who are the
ornithologist you use for advice on this matter?
NRW: NRW employed
Ornithologist
Q12: How sure is
NRW that declared totals of birds killed are honest.
NRW: The licence
is a legal document, and any false declarations would constitute as an
offence.
Well, I don’t know about you but for me this raises more questions
and doubt over the control, self-policing, adherence to conditions and I intend
on asking more until this stops or until I’m satisfied there is greater control and policing. What a ridiculous state we are in.
