Last updated 11:30, Friday, 09 May 2008

Does Britain’s wildlife protection legislation matter?

Apparently it does not if your name is Network Rail.

Almost two years ago, maintenance work led to long-established, prime red squirrel habitat close to the village of Heads Nook being wiped out – with the inevitable disastrous consequences. Now it is happening again.

This time shrubs, bushes and trees along the track are to be trimmed – plumb in the middle of the birds’ nesting season.

My beef with Network Rail is not the essential work it is obliged to do, but the callous disregard displayed towards wildlife. I have come to the conclusion that the protective words of the wildlife legislation were drafted purely for the adornment of the statute and have no other practical purpose.

The police seem lethargic in this domain and the RSPB appears to be selective in the birds they choose to protect.

To whom should we turn in seeking protection for our wildlife?

BERNARD WIDDOWSON
Heads Nook