Buzzard control plans abandoned
Proposals put forward by Defra to allow some gamekeepers to capture buzzards and destroy their nests have been abandoned.
Ministers announced that "in light of public concerns expressed," other ways to control buzzards would be investigated.
Ministers had initially planned to carry out research into "non-lethal" methods of controlling buzzards in areas where there was evidence of a "clear problem" of the birds preying on young pheasants. But public concerns and criticism voiced by the RSPB have resulted in a rethink.
RSPB called the decision "strong", but the Countryside Alliance have accused ministers of "giving in".
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