“Evidence from the ground has shown that there has been a significant increase in predation of eggs and chicks of vulnerable and important ground-nesting birds,” says Amanda Anderson of the Moorland Association, which manages land across England and Wales for grouse shooting.
Gamekeepers point to evidence that crows threaten rare curlews as well as gamebirds – and must, regrettably, be kept under control. The crow population has risen consistently since the 60s and stands at more than 1m breeding pairs, according to the British Trust for Ornithology, with “steep increases” in England since the turn of the century. “In a very sad and perverse way, this ghastly action indicates that I’m making progress,” he told the BBC.įarmers and landowners had complained that the ruling, which came down in the middle of lambing season, would have severe consequences for livestock and crops – and several endangered bird species that are preyed upon by crows. It was reported on Monday that such threats led to his appearance at a festival being cancelled when the organisers said they were concerned about public safety. He has also received death threats and faced calls to be sacked. (According to rural legend, dead crows should be strung up prominently, pour encourager les autres).
The ruling was inspired by a campaign by Wild Justice, which Avery co-founded with the conservationist and BBC presenter Chris Packham – who awoke the next morning to find the gate of his home in Hampshire glued shut and crow carcasses dangling beside it. Dead crows outside Packham’s home in Hampshire.
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