Dr Mark Avery, the former Conservation Director of the RSPB, writes an insightful blog. He’s recently started a series called The Raptor Haters, which he describes as: “….an occasional series of articles on people who slag off birds of prey“.
The most recent installment in this series is all about Sir Simon Jenkins, who, since November 2008 has been the Chair of the National Trust.
Have a read of Mark’s short blog piece, read what Sir Simon Jenkins had to say about raptors in his Guardian article in May 2008, and then read what some better informed commentators had to say. I wonder what Sir Jenkins would write about the criminal activities of gamekeeper Glenn Brown on the National Trust’s Howden Moor?
PS. For those interested in reading other entries in Mark’s ‘The Raptor Haters’ series, see here for his piece on Richard Ingrams. Thanks Mark, we look forward to more…
Raptor Persecution UK 
Theres many a fine Psychology PhD waiting to be written on “raptor hating” and similar responses to predators in particular but “wild nature” in general. Such people seem to have some primitive throwback to a fear of being wiped out when they leave their caves….but its also just a simple matter of “control freakery” – they want to put nature in its place….the one they choose.
We saw similar reactions to us “dangerous longhairs” in the 1960s….and even more strikingly to the “arab spring” going on in the Middle East.
Surely this man can not keep his job? How many acres with Birds of Prey on them does this man have the say on? Remember the land is ours. Bought to benefit us so in my opinion a man who wants to destroy Birds of Prey can not be in a job where he could influence the staff to remove Birds of Prey.
How much longer do we have to suffer the idiots having all the coverage. If he has no basic understanding of simple ecology then let’s be shot of him.
Well I posted a couple of comments on this story, with links, on the facebook page of the National Trust, but instead of them launching any open & healthy debate on the subject, they were simply & quickly deleted!
I just looked Dick and your comments are still there they haven’t been deleted.
That’s strange Paul, because when I visited that page just now, they were still not visible.
I’m not sure what’s going on, but I’ve started a discussion there, so we’ll perhaps see how other NT members feel, on this issue.
Cheers, Dick
After reading Simon Jenkins’ outrageous and ill informed comments I wrote to The National Trust, complained about this anti raptor propaganda and asked if this was the National Trust’s official stance on birds of prey.
My letter was forwarded to the “correct department” which turned out to be Simon Jenkins himself.
Here is his reply –
Dear Mr Graham
Thank you for your communication about the National Trust and birds of prey. I do recall writing about the subject some years ago – long before I had anything to do with the National Trust.
I fear I may have written many things that might not be agreeable to all our members but I am afraid I must live with that. The Trust has no official policy on the subject, and should not do so.
I would point out that I am not employed by the Trust, nor are my personal thoughts , however publicised, those of the Trust.
You will be aware that there are strong conflicting opinions, including within the Trust, about raptors and song birds. I am sure both sides will continue their argument.
With best wishes,
Simon Jenkins
He’s quite correct there are “conflicting opinions” one which is based on science and hard factual evidence and another based on ignorance and self interest.
Ronnie Graham