More on Licencing to kill Ravens in Wales

After reading RDS’s blog on NRW’s licencing to kill Ravens in Wales, see: https://www.rdsconservation.com/?p=630&fbclid=IwAR2Nmv3KuvK-0vAKox_Cky2QDiojXC-zdjbyvb9Dv12Lmq2AII8ZolvAg-Y

I had a few questions of my own so submitted an FOI to:

accesstoinformationteam@naturalresourceswales.gov.uk    

You can do the same too.

Here’s NRW’s statement on Licencing to kill Ravens:

https://naturalresources.wales/about-us/news-and-events/statements/licences-to-kill-ravens/?lang=en&fbclid=IwAR1-sK-9WvWSyNQs_epFvfvUn6yB8lHAPhVQ4_HYyVUM7lAA3QcBBOquZCM

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.