News

Public supports predator control

May 2009

New independent research* published today by a coalition of rural and conservation groups shows that the public supports the control of predators to protect threatened species.

The survey carried out by ORB for the Countryside Alliance, Moorland Association and National Gamekeepers Organisation, found that:

• Eight out of ten (80%) think that people should intervene to help declining bird species rather than ‘just leave it to nature’.

• Six out of ten people (60%) think that raptors should be controlled if they are damaging wildlife and livelihoods, despite eight out of ten (80%) being unaware that there are more raptors than at any time since records began.

• Two thirds of respondents (66%) support the work of the RSPB, and eight out of ten (84%) believe that the organisation should carry out predator control on its nature reserves.

• Eight out of ten (81%) also believe that gamekeepers, who carry out predator control as part of their jobs, have a positive impact on the countryside.

Simon Hart, Chief Executive of the Countryside Alliance, said:

“For years everyone from the Government to the RSPB has run scared of being open and honest about the need to control some species for the benefit of others.

“This research shows that many of the assumptions about public opinion that have driven policy and spending on wildlife management are, quite simply, wrong.

“We live in a managed landscape. People understand that it is necessary to control predators to protect declining species and maintain a balance”.

Ends…

Notes to Editor – Fieldwork was conducted by Opinion Research Business ORB 13th – 15th March. Representative telephone survey of 1,004 adults aged 18+ in UK. Data available on request.


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