The RSPB on Club Together

Not the RSPB's fault, Ash, but quite frankly why Malta were allowed to demand continuation of their barbarcy as a condition of joining the EU is beyond me. What were they going to do if the EU said no? Organisations like the EU have to use their muscle to protect wildlife and in this case and Cyprus they failed. This is not meant to take the discussion into a political sphere as CT can't go there either merely an observation of wildlife has been failed by those who could have protected them.

The answer is for all Europeans to boycott Malta and Cyprus and holiday elsewhere

I agree, and we don't visit those countries, I wouldn't be happy there.

But, is the U.S.A. much better regarding conservation?

If we only travelled to countries whose conservation / human rights policies we agreed with, our travel options would be severely limited.

Malta held a referendum to ban hunting in 2015, the vote went against by just over 2000 and this was regarded as a narrow margin. Lets hope the pressure can be kept up to succeed, it's a big cultural change in these countries. I expect we destroyed a lot of species here in the past.

Don't we live in a country that permits the shooting of threatened species such as Grey Partridge, Snipe and Woodcock? Are we not a country that has obliterated wildlife from most of its farmed land? 

The RSPB and other wildlife organisations do some wonderful work to set an example both here and abroad but unfortnately the destructive forces are far greater.

Couldn't agree more with last 3 posts. At least we do have strong representation here which was born out of the need to protect and 100 years later we're a lot further down the road than countries like Malta and Cyprus. We can only hope that they eventually see sense. This won't stop the slaughter just like here but any brake on it is welcome. Small steps etc

Not the RSPB's fault, Ash, but quite frankly why Malta were allowed to demand continuation of their barbarcy as a condition of joining the EU is beyond me. What were they going to do if the EU said no? Organisations like the EU have to use their muscle to protect wildlife and in this case and Cyprus they failed. This is not meant to take the discussion into a political sphere as CT can't go there either merely an observation of wildlife has been failed by those who could have protected them.

You are right Wherenext. I think it was largely wanted parts of the legislation relaxed on the grounds of a historical/cultural habit. However, they have clearly taken advantage of the situation.

May I point out that it is not to do with the Maltese/Cypriot governments, but of groups (gangs) trying to make the most of what is an expensive cultural custom - much like shark fin soup is in Asia. Saying that, not much has been done by those governments to prevent it. 

Bumping this thread up

Although we technically can gain free entry to RSPB reserves by being members of the CC we still pay our membership to both organisations as both give us immense joy.

Ash, can you do me a favour though. Ask your reserve managers to stop maintenance work when we're due a visit. We'll let you have a timetable of prospective visits if it helps!

Try across the bird nesting season (Mar - Aug), any maintenance work has to wait until after, you can thank the birds for that 

Good tip Ash.  We've been life members for more years than I care to remember & always try & visit a site when out & about.

Hi Everyone,

Hope everyone's been out and about enjoying themselves this summer. 

I just thought I'd let you all know that I will be leaving the RSPB in a months time, so get your wildlife related questions in before then!

But, don't worry! As we'll have another RSPB staff member joining the Club Together pages to get involved with the member's discussions. 

Ash

Thanks for your input on here Ash, it's been good to have some real contact with the RSPB. Good luck with your future plans.