LINCOLNSHIRE MP HOPEFUL FOR CYPRUS SONGBIRDS - HAVE AUTHORITIES AT LAST GOT A GRIP ON ILLEGAL SLAUGHTER?

The MP- keen to see an end to bird slaughter in Cyprus

                                  

EAST Lincolnshire  MP Matt Warman has expressed confidence that initiatives to end the illegal trapping and slaughter on  Cyprus of songbirds are paying off.

In a parliamentary statement last month,  Mr Warman, who represents the Boston and Skegness constituency, said: “I share concerns which have been raised about wild bird poaching on Cyprus.

“The UK Sovereign Base Areas (SBAs) on Cyprus are covered by the Bern Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats, and adhere to its provisions.

”Combating illegal trapping is a key priority for the SBA police and dedicated patrols are run daily throughout the known trapping season.

“Police have for a number of years put considerable effort into anti-poaching measures and more recently there has been an especially robust campaign, which included expanding the patrols.

“They also work in close co-operation with the Cyprus Game and Fauna Service, the appropriate Cypriot authority.

Trapped on Cyprus - a hapless redstart   

“I understand that base authorities have also acted in conjunction with the Joint Nature Conservation Committee to remove acacia scrub from the site, much of which had been planted illegally by trappers to attract birds for them to catch.

"I was pleased to hear that this move was welcomed as a positive step by Birdlife International.

“I am assured that the SBA authorities will continue to work with the Republic of Cyprus to bring an end to this unpleasant, outlawed practice.”

The MP’s confidence may yet prove to me misplaced, but at least he is speaking up for the birds, many species of which are summer visitors to Britain.

Meanwhile, Mr Warman is the RSPB’s “species champion” in the Commons for the redshank.

Last year, he joined RSPB staff in monitoring breeding redshank on the saltmarsh at the society’s Frampton Marsh reserve which is in his constituency.

                                                  

The reserve at Frampton Marsh where the MP earned his award

This deed earned him the RSPB’ ‘Muddy Welly Award’!

Said he: “I really enjoyed my visit to Frampton Marsh to watch redshank and other waders in their natural habit.

“Winning an award for my efforts was a bonus!”

Redshank - championed by the Lincolnshire MP