Watchdog permits 170,000 wild bird killings in five years

Exclusive: birds and eggs from 70 species, some rare, have been licensed for destructionThe government's conservation watchdog has issued licences to destroy 170,000 wild birds, eggs and nests, including rare and declining species such as curlews and swifts, in the past five years.Natural England has given permission to kill birds of more than 70 species, or have their nests and eggs destroyed. These include peregrine falcons, barn owls, buzzards and red kites, alongside garden favourites such as robins, blackbirds and blue tits. A licence was even issued to destroy a wrens' nest to "preserve public safety" in South Yorkshire. Continue reading...