Skip to content

Conservation

Conservation is too conservative in the UK

by Paul Robinson 27 Aug 2014
Conservation is too conservative in the UK

The native and popular (even in fiction) dormouse is Muscardinus avellanarius , while the edible dormouse, Glis glis is a much larger beast that is well established in a small area where it escaped from a Rothschild collection in 1902! Would you know which dormouse is in your teacup, or would you even classify the 2 species as endangered - or common as an alien rabbit. Confusion reigns, but nowhere more so than in an unscientific and very badly-advised government; Hazel dormouse image; Credit: © Shutterstock

When we go on about invasive species, as in the two-part story here in - Invasive Ali+en Species, part 2, linked to part 1, we expect responsible organisation, scientific consultation and accredited "labour" to perform some minor surgery on the ecosystem. What we have in a new UK example (not the first) is a botched up and apparently right wing plot to shoot or destroy anything that takes shooters' fancy.

Pheasants, pigeons and several other familiar birds, along with the abundant Pere David and fallow deer were all introduced for sport at some time in history to the British Isles. Probably the British abroad took foxes and deer with them too, in the same "sporting" mode. Historical accuracy isn't really that important as long as the deer don't destroy the vegetation or bird aren't encouraged by gamekeepers to occupy artificial habitats to the exclusion of native fauna. If, however, we rant on about these destructive but traditional activities, we become as blinkered as the hunting set who don't see anything wrong with it.

Live and let live is the motto behind many people's attitude to these species and the people who make money from shooting. Long may that liberal approach apply to all sides the native and the introduced often reach an equilibrium in a region, but with care, they still have to (attempt to0 remove the American crayfish, the mink and the Japanese knotweed from the UK New controls announced in the UK parliament try to prevent invasive species but could easily damage native barn owl, red kite and even innocent climate-change newcomers.

The 300 or so non-natives cost £1.8m pa. Clearing up these organisms could reduce that, or create more need for conservation if native species are affected. The John Muir Trust and the RSPB, the Mammal Society and the National Trust believe an error has been made by using a 1981 list. In the last third of a century much has changed. The large blue butterfly and many mammals and birds such as the water vole or the magnificent white-tailed eagle have been re-introduced. Even though they are native, they are classed by this 1981 list as alien. The barn owl is a really obvious mistake, because of its role in the ecosystem. Placed on an antiquated list last century, it was regarded then as liable to uncontrolled introductions (to control rodents) but is now threatened by lack of suitable farm buildings. Nest boxes are built now for their occupation because they keep down the rodent population.

Narrow thinking and freedom for landowners to destroy vital conservation work are these major grouches. The government is very much at sea on this vital land issue. The Zoological Society of London believe the influx of birds (eg. the stork) and butterflies (eg. the milkweed, Danaus plexippus) as global warming affects the country is particularly valid. If they survive, these species will become virtually native, as they live across La Manche (otherwise known as the English Channel) in France quite equitably with similar niches.

The Observer have another side to the argument here, with their - Battle in the Countryside.


Trending Eco-Friendly Clothing

Love My Planet Women's Relaxed Fit Hoodie
Earth
Quick Add
Close
Notify me
Notify me
Love My Planet Women's Relaxed Fit Hoodie
Love My Planet women's eco-friendly relaxed fit hoodieSize Guide Centimeters 8 10 12 14 16 18 Bust 84 88 92 97 103 108 Waist 66 70 75 80 85 91 Hips 91 95 99 104 109 116 Bust: Measure around the fullest part of...
£38.00
£38.00
Close
Notify me
Notify me
Penguins Hate Push-Ups Men's Pullover Hoodie
Earth
Quick Add
Close
Notify me
Notify me
Penguins Hate Push-Ups Men's Pullover Hoodie
Penguins Hate Push-Ups men's eco-friendly pullover HoodieSize Guide Centimeters XS S M L XL XXL Height 171 175 179 183 189 195 Chest 86 93 99 104 116 129 Waist 71 76 81 89 99 112 Chest: Measure all round your chest just below...
£38.00
£38.00
Close
Notify me
Notify me
Lightning Bolt Kids Long Sleeve T-Shirt
Earth
Quick Add
Close
Notify me
Notify me
Notify me
Lightning Bolt Kids Long Sleeve T-Shirt
Lightning Bolt kids eco-friendly long sleeve t-shirtSize Guide Centimeters 3-4yrs 5-6yrs 7-8yrs 9-10yrs 11-12yrs Height 98 112 125 136 147 Chest 60 66 70 75 84 Chest: Measure all around your chest just below your armpits. Height: Your natural height If you fall between...
£18.00
£18.00
Close
Notify me
Notify me
Notify me
Union Jack Tote Bag
Earth
Quick Add
Close
Notify me
Notify me
Union Jack Tote Bag
Union Jack eco-friendly colour tote bagProduct Specification Organic Cotton Tote Bag. Twill Weave (170gsm). 37 x 42 cm (7cm gusset.) Made in India / Designed on the Isle of Wight. Wash Cool, Hang Dry.
£16.00
£16.00
Close
Notify me
Notify me
Prev Post
Next Post

Eco-Friendly Shop

Women's Clothing

Eco-Friendly Clothing for Women Our online shop offers a wide range of sustainable women’s clothing products, including t-shirts, hoodies, vests, sweaters, shorts, and...
Shop Now

Men's Clothing

Eco-Friendly Clothing for Men Our online shop offers a wide range of sustainable men’s clothing products, including t-shirts, hoodies, vests, sweaters, shorts, and...
Shop Now

Kids Clothing

Eco-Friendly Clothes for Kids Our online shop offers a wide range of sustainable kids clothing products, including t-shirts, hoodies and jumpers. Our garments...
Shop Now
Someone recently bought a
[time] ago, from [location]

Thanks for subscribing!

This email has been registered!

Shop the look

Choose Options

Earth Times
Sign up for exclusive updates, new arrivals & insider only discounts

Recently Viewed

Edit Option
Back In Stock Notification
this is just a warning
Login
Shopping Cart
0 items

Before you leave...

Take 20% off your first order

20% off

Enter the code below at checkout to get 20% off your first order

CODESALE20

Continue Shopping