RSPB'S FEEBLE RESPONSE TO NETTING CONTROVERSY

Birds not welcome - a netted tree in Guildford (photo: Melissa Harrison, via RSPB)

Following widespread controversy over the use of netting by developers in order to thwart birds from nesting, the RSPB has spoken up on the issue. Regrettably, the statement issued by the organisation's Gemma Hogg, though well-intended, could scarcely be more feeble. See below.

"We cannot keep trying to squeeze nature into smaller and smaller spaces or demanding it fits in with our plans. 

"People around the country are dismayed to hear about cases where birds returning from long journeys are being deliberately excluded from sites where they might choose to raise their young. 

"Those people want action, and so do we.

"We cannot stand by and let the current practices spread unchallenged.

"We all need nature in our lives - which means giving birds and other wildlife, more, not less room to breed, feed and sing.

"We need to act  - wildlife is already struggling with climate change, habitat loss and development pressure."

Continues Ms Hogg:

"We encourage the Government to review the current law governing this area, and think creatively about what could be done to solve a problem that is upsetting so many people, and pushing nature away from our lives."

The RSPB says has compiled a memorandum of 'best practice' which it says will send to all housebuilders.

It states

• Think about whether it is really necessary to remove the hedges and trees that are vital for supporting our wildlife
• Netting should not be the easy alternative. If the work is absolutely necessary, then the use of netting could be avoided by tree and hedge removal being completed between September and February outside  nesting season
• And, this should be backed up by a commitment to plant new trees and hedges - no one wants to live in a neighbourhood where the sights and sounds of nature have been driven out
• It is essential developers work with a trained ecologist to ensure appropriate netting is used and is not the type that will catch and hold birds and other wildlife;
• It is also essential that a trained ecologist ensures the correct netting is fitted in a way that wildlife cannot get through or behind the netting and then become trapped;
• It is essential that netting is checked at least once a day (but ideally three times) by a trained ecologist to ensure that no wildlife is caught or that the netting has become defective. If any wildlife is seen to be caught within or trapped behind netting they must be freed immediately and the netting fixed or removed;
• If anyone perceives that the user is aware that wildlife is being caught but has not remedied the situation, then the Police Wildlife Crime Officer should be informed.

Ms Hogg ends: "If you have concerns or believe nets are being put up without the right consents, then we recommend you get in touch with your local council, MP and the housebuilder concerned."

The Wryneck says: 

A typically wish-washy, appease-the-developer response from the RSPB which, as ever, is woefully off the pace. Instead of helping to shape public opinion, it limps along behind it. The statement purports  to condemn netting, but later goes on to condone the practice where "appropriate" and if supervised by an ecologist. It is, of course, highly unlikely that its proposed guidance notes will have the slightest influence on developers, even if any bother to read it. Campaigning needs leadership and zeal if it is to be effective. Neither is forthcoming from the Sandy-based organisation which, yet again, pinches hopelessly below its weight on an issue where it should be at the forefront.