RSPB lodges EU complaint over burning of grouse moor
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) has demanded a European investigation of the Government's wildlife watchdog amid a bitter row over the burning of a protected bird habitat.
The RSPB believes Natural England's abrupt decision in March to stop its prosecution of the Walshaw Moor Estate in West Yorkshire was in breach of its legal duty to protect the environment.
The charity claims Natural England contravened EU rules in its dealings with the estate, near Hebden Bridge, which burnt peat bog to help boost the numbers of grouse for shooting on the moors, and has submitted a formal complaint to Brussels.
The blanket bog in question is a rare and threatened habitat that is home to endangered wading birds such as dunlin and golden plover. Burning the bog encourages new heather shoots – a food source for grouse.
Natural England said its agreement with Walshaw Moor Estate meant that burning off would be subject to "specific controls" and that it was aware of the EU complaint.
Walshaw Moor Estate declined to comment.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments