Pheasants Forever, a U.S. based conservation group supporting..well, you get it, determined after many thousands of dollars and long hours of field research that raptors have very little effect on pheasant populations. Habitat and localized weather patterns are the keys to healthy populations. When an organization promoting pheasant hunting says raptors are no big deal you have to believe the science must back them up! Good luck to you common buzzards.

It will still happen you just wont hear about it

Well....that's good, I commented last week on what a ridiculous idea this was....I shouldn't think the change of mind has actually got a lot to do with public opinion though - there will be some other reason, I imagine. Does it worry anyone else how many stupid things can be thought up to (potentially) waste our money? I have no interest in politics, but seriously, how did this ever get past the initial stages of discussion?! I wonder how long it will be before something equally daft is suggested.

i should think so too. absolutley barmy to harm 1 species to protect another species that is just going to end up being shot in the name of sport. All birds are protected by law, although the "flying rat" - pidgeons - should be exempt due to their danger to health.

James O, indeed, we will see a mysterious rise in the number of 'accidental' buzzard killings, the same way we saw a rise in the number of badgers accidentally killed since the government said there was a possible link to bovine tb.

Great news I commented and I'm watching this space

I commented on my disaproval on this act of the cull, can i tell you i am not a conservationist and do not belong to any wildlife group, i am an ordinary person who has an opinion on what is wrong and what is right,please don't lable us all the same as you have in the story,other than that wonderfull news ,just beware please their may be an increase in shootings by landowners or gamekeepers.

Thank goodness. Thanks to everyone who made their concerns known.

Game keepers and farmers....if it can't or won't make money then kill it. Why don't they quit and get a real job that is worth while.....?

Good news. At least they listen.