The UK government stands accused of developing covert plans to dismantle crucial legal protections for England's most vulnerable birds of prey, potentially leaving species like hen harriers and peregrine falcons at greater risk.
Secretive Proposals Spark Conservation Fury
According to documents obtained by The Independent, officials from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) have been quietly exploring options to remove the special protection status currently afforded to raptors under the 1981 Wildlife and Countryside Act.
The revelations have sent shockwaves through the conservation community, with wildlife charities and environmental organisations expressing profound alarm at what they describe as a potentially catastrophic backward step for nature protection.
What's at Stake for England's Wildlife?
The proposed changes could fundamentally weaken safeguards for some of England's most iconic bird species:
- Hen harriers: One of England's most persecuted birds of prey, with only a handful of successful nesting attempts annually
- Peregrine falcons: Protected after recovering from near-extinction due to pesticide use
- Red kites: Successfully reintroduced after centuries of absence from English skies
- Marsh harriers: Still recovering their populations in wetland habitats
Conservationists Voice Outrage
Leading environmental organisations have reacted with fury to the proposals. Natural England, the government's own conservation advisory body, has reportedly expressed significant concerns about the potential impact on vulnerable species.
"This represents one of the most serious threats to birds of prey protection in decades," warned one senior conservationist who wished to remain anonymous. "Removing these safeguards could undo years of conservation work and put already vulnerable species at immediate risk."
Government Response and Next Steps
While Defra has acknowledged reviewing wildlife protection laws, they maintain that any changes would aim to create a "more proportionate" approach to conservation. However, critics argue that the term "proportionate" often signals reduced protection in practice.
The controversy comes amid growing concern about the government's environmental credentials, following recent battles over nutrient neutrality rules and other conservation measures.
Conservation groups are now mobilising to oppose any dilution of protections, with several organisations preparing legal challenges should the proposals move forward.
