We carried news items on this proposal on 28th February and details of its subsequent postponement on 16th March 2008. Many SRSG members objected to this trial but despite this the Government still seems inclined to push ahead and the official line is as follows - "It is expected that the research project will resume in the autumn provided that all legal and animal welfare requirements are satisfactorily resolved. It is likely that any new project will be different in a number of respects from that set out in the previous Project Protocol. It is suggested that anyone with an interest in this subject should contribute their views and the aim of the Government will be to ensure that the process of putting to-gether a revised project is as transparent as possible. A wide range of perspectives on this issue can only help with reaching a solution that is satisfactory to both the pigeon fanciers and the conservationists and raptor enthusiasts." All SRSG members should be aware of our position on this matter and given the Government's determination, should be making their views known in the normal manner. We are happy to provide information of our position to non SRSG members.

A coalition of conservation, countryside and welfare groups has called for increased efforts to tackle the illegal killing of the UK's birds of prey. Some 26 organisations including RSPB Scotland, SRSGs, SOC, BTO and SSPCA have put their name to the call which is contained in a new report on the status of the UK's birds of prey. The report 'On a wing and a prayer' is largely a celebration of our birds of prey and of the recovery of many species since the days when they all but vanished because of persecution and poisoning from agricultural pesticides like DDT. However, the report also highlights the continued problem of persecution and the organisations involved call for the laws protecting birds of prey to be maintained and properly enforced to stamp out illegal killing. An electronic copy of the report is available through the RSPB or by contacting this website.