Save Britain's waders!
08/05/2008
The Countryside Alliance has launched a 'Save the Wader' campaign to protect wading birds in the UK in response to a report revealing their sharp decline in numbers - and the failure of anyone in the conservation establishment to do anything decisive about it.
Between 1994 and 2006, curlew numbers decreased by 37%, redshank by 21% and lapwing by 17%. Ironically, because waders like to nest on open ground to watch out for enemies, it makes them more vulnerable to attack from other birds and predators, particularly on unmanaged moorland.
Fortunately, where there is good habitat and gamekeepers are controlling the number of predators - such as foxes, stoats and weasels - waders and other ground nesting birds are thriving.But the refusal of some conservation bodies to get to grips with predator control means that the future of waders is at risk in many parts of the country.
As part of the Save the Wader campaign, a petition has been posted on the 10 Downing Street website urging the Prime Minister to acknowledge the plight of the wader and accept the role of predator control and a fair balance of species in reversing the decline in numbers.
Adrian Blackmore, spokesman for the campaign, said: Waders are the Baldricks of the bird world - they get bullied in the playground and no one else is standing up to protect them.They are quietly iconic but are becoming an increasingly rare sight in the British countryside.This campaign seeks to protect some of the most defenceless birds in Britain and stop their decline - because if nothing is done, they will become extinct in parts of the UK in our lifetime.
"We cannot stress enough that managing predators, though not eliminating them, is essential for the survival of many ground nesting birds. By the time some conservation bodies and other organisations catch up with this, it may be too late. We are urging everyone who has an interest in ensuring that Britain is home to a rich and diverse range of birds to support our campaign and sign the petition.
To find out more about the campaign and the petition, visit the link below.