Last updated 09:32, Friday, 02 May 2008

In your article ‘Flap over flagship reserve’s success’, David O’Hara stated that the RSPB is happy with its populations of important moorland birds at Geltsdale, and that it does not want them to increase at the expense of other species.

Given their particularly low densities, this is surprising, as is his belief that it is not fair to compare the comparative abundance of ground-nesting birds on neighbouring grouse moors with those that can be found on the nature reserve.

The stark fact is that people are far more likely to see these species on moorland that is managed for grouse shooting, and this is because of the serious conservation efforts by gamekeepers.

The control of generalist predators such as foxes and crows, and the patchwork burning of heather to provide food and cover on moorland is of benefit, not only to red grouse, but also to other ground nesting birds, including lapwing, curlew and golden plover.

Dr Mark Avery, the RSPB’s director of conservation, has acknowledged that the RSPB is increasingly recognising that predators are having a greater impact on ground nesting birds and waders.

The society’s recent report The Predation of Wild Birds in the UK also acknowledges that generalist predators such as foxes can sometimes reduce the population levels of their prey, and that this is a growing worry if we are not to conserve populations of ground-nesting birds.

It is therefore puzzling how Mr O’Hara can be so happy with what is happening at Geltsdale. By all accounts, he should be deeply concerned.

ADRIAN BLACKMORE
Moorland policy officer
The Countryside Alliance