Those of you who know Mark Avery no doubt already know of his work in conservation – both of species as well as habitats. His “A Message from Martha; the Extinction of the Passenger Pigeon and Its Relevance Today” remains one of the best books available on the subject, and his “Inglorious; Conflict in the Uplands” is a superbly aimed broadside against the sheer waste and abuse of the uplands for the benefit of a very small number of grouse shooting enthusiasts.
What happens when the habitat requirements, the daily activities, indeed the very existence of a charismatic and much beloved animal is perceived to be detrimental to the continued proliferation of an economically valuable one? Well, if the perception in question is that of England’s Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) and the valuable […]