DEAR ROAMERS AND YOUR RIGHT TO ROAM

The right to be cool Dear Roamers, Like many people last week, I sought out cool water and shade - not that I need an excuse, but this time it felt less like a choice than a necessity. Swimming in the Dart, I felt fortunate to have a place where I can reach and get into my nearest river. Yet I know that this is the exception. All across England and Wales, (as Tony Hawks discovered in his recent radio series), there are barriers to river and reservoir access. Signs decrying swimming as ‘dangerous’, warnings of ‘underwater machinery’, threats of prosecution and fines. As the continent sweltered through record-breaking temperatures, this culture of exclusion kicked up a gear. At Cheddar Reservoir, permissive access was closed by Bristol Water as temperatures climbed, citing concerns that people might try to swim. Earlier this year, the Peak District National Park Authority warned against swimming in rivers prompting a backlash forcing them to rethink their comms, and possibly who it is there to serve. Even the coast isn’t immune. A Newhaven beach, fenced off by its offshore owners, was broken into last week by exasperated locals seeking respite from the heat. In Poole Harbour, residents of Sandbanks have continued their campaign to remove a fence restricting access to the beach - an effort that appears to have borne fruit after the story attracted national attention, including the surreal moment when a BBC reporter spoke via a Ring doorbell to one of the beach owners who answered from Bermuda. In Wales, Dŵr Cymru issued social media warnings urging the public not to swim in waterbodies managed by them; their alarming claims about safety were subsequently and deftly dismantled by the British Mountaineering Council’s Eben Muse. Meanwhile the owner of Brombil Reservoir in South Wales seems to be suffering a crisis of intent - charging people to visit while simultaneously condemning public access and threatening visitors with hefty legal action. One might wonder what we are actually paying for. The reasons offered for the denial of this basic elemental relief are familiar: we’re at risk of drowning, poor water quality, blue-green algae, hidden hazards and causing ecological disturbance. Some are genuine and deserve clear information and sensible management – a wealth of information of which is provided by the Outdoor Swimming Society. Others are applied indiscriminately, regardless of local conditions, becoming blanket justifications for exclusion rather than invitations to help people access water safely and responsibly. Deaths in water do occur, and every one is a tragedy. But this is a crisis of education and opportunity to learn. It is also an issue of justice, as expertly outlined by Katie Parsons. As our climate warms, access to cool water and shade will increasingly become a question of who gets to stay safe and healthy during periods of extreme heat. Cooling down is not a luxury; it is becoming a public health necessity. Water should be understood as public infrastructure: a place to exercise, to play, to connect with nature and, increasingly, to escape dangerous summer temperatures. Finnamore Wood Vigil Like our rivers and reservoirs, most woodland in England is out of bounds. What little access we do have is precious. For residents near Finnamore Wood in Buckinghamshire, the prospect of a private superluxury development closing the paths used by local people for generations has come as a shock. Woods where children played are now being enclosed behind 2.4-metre-high fencing. On Saturday 18 July, local residents are holding a peaceful, family-friendly vigil to bear witness to the loss of these much-loved paths and call for access to be restored. There will be a short gathering, a moment of silence and the chance to write “love letters to the wood” for its trees, wildlife, footpaths and future generations. If you live nearby and you are able to show your support, please let the organisers know using the details below. Saturday 18 July, 1.00–2.30pm Meet at What3Words: ///cosmic.note.crazy, between nos. 7 and 9, SL7 2HU. Parking is limited, so please car share where possible. Lifts from Marlow or High Wycombe stations may be available by arrangement. For travel help or to let the organisers know you are coming, email finnamorewoodpreservationgroup@gmail.com. Right to Roam Print Shop Finally - a reminder that we’ve opened our print shop! A selection of Nick’s artwork is available for pre-order (closing for current orders on the 13th July), so if there’s a print you love from this batch, grab one now. Note: we had an issue with our payment system this week, so apologies to those who tried to purchase a print and were unable. It should be working now! As the campaign moves forward, we need to fund the work behind it. These prints are a way of directly supporting the campaign while taking home a beautiful piece of Wild Service artwork, something to hang on your wall that inspires conversation, connection, and care for the living world around us. Alternatively, if you are able to support the campaign with a monthly donation, please visit our website. The amount is entirely up to you. Introducing The Crow’s Nest - a Right to Roam Substack If you enjoy reading our newsletter, you might also like to take a look at our newly minted substack where we’ll be publishing occasional missives and longer reads on in-depth topics, as well as shorter posts on fast moving issues. As a primer you might like to read Jon’s eloquent response to eminent Geographer Nicholas’ Crane assertion that the access movement should be less political; Amy-Jane’s beautiful and mysterious act of wild service in the homeland of John Clare; or Guy’s front-footed contention that Manchesterism is a politics of land. Give them a read, and share with others. Please do encourage them to sign up to our newsletter too, which remains the primary place for campaign updates and actions. That’s all for now - see you out there. Lewis, and the Right to Roam team. ---------- Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Bluesky. Want to get involved? Visit our website here. This campaign is made possible through small monthly donations from supporters like you. We are currently relying on only a few hundred monthly subscribers. Without growing that number, our work is at risk. Can you help keep us going by becoming a monthly subscriber? £5 / Month £10 / Month £15 / Month £20 / Month A newly erected fence blocking access to Finnamore Wood in Buckinghamshire - once a place for local people to walk and play. Take Action Visit our social accounts Check out our site This email was sent from this site. If you no longer wish to receive this email, change your email preferences here.

FROM THE HUNT SABOTEURS—VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN BY SOME OF THE HUNTING COMMUNITY

View this email in your browser Hi, Supporter HUNTING AND VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN In March 2026 the BBC reported that ministers had declared a national emergency in response to the epidemic of violence against women and girls. The report also stated that “the UK government has pledged to halve violence against women and girls within a decade.” Violence, misogyny and sexism have always been prominent within the hunting community, with overwhelming cases against female hunt saboteurs. We recently shared a series of social media posts highlighting this - but the sad fact is that there are still hundreds more instances that could have been shared. For example, after sabs scuppered a days hunting for the Northern Counties Mink Hounds, Charles Dent viciously targeted a female sab, causing damage to her head and neck. Charles Dent, previous chairman of Timothy Taylor brewery attacked a female sab after the Northern Counties Mink Hounds were caught illegally hunting by sabs. In November 2024 a lone female sab from Mendip Hunt Sabs was thrown to the ground and repeatedly punched in the head and kicked while she lay on the ground. The frenzied attack took place after the sab had gone to investigate a suspected dig out of a fox by the Mendip Hunt terrier men. As well as physically assaulting the sab the thugs stole her camcorder and body camera. Avon & Somerset Police took no further action, despite them claiming in their framework that violence against women and girls is a “forcewide priority.” Thugs from the Mendip Farmers Hunt. Over the past few seasons West Midlands Hunt Saboteurs (WMHS) have been documenting worrying and disturbing behaviour from hunt supporter Harry Sawyer. At the beginning of last season, he pushed a female saboteur, who was holding a placard, to the ground. The same saboteur that he has repeatedly harassed and attempted to intimidate by following her to the toilet and making false accusations about her to Warwickshire police, wasting their time. In February 2026, Sawyer purposely blocked WMHS vehicle on a public road. He then proceeded to assault a female sab by pushing her in the back before grabbing her arm and twisting it up her back. When asked a few weeks later if he thought women constitute as people, he struggled to muster a coherent answer. Around a year ago Warwickshire Police said this in response to the national report on Violence Against Women and Girls, “Violence against women and girls (VAWG) is an unacceptable, preventable issue that blights the lives of many, and we have always taken it seriously in Warwickshire.” Harry Sawyer has been continually harassing and assaulting female sabs, so what are Warwickshire Police doing about it? In 2024 Simon Tomlinson, polo enthusiast, Beaufort landowner and friend of King Charles, viciously threw a female sab to the ground. This is the same Simon Tomlinson who had previously been handed a community resolution by Wiltshire Police for driving a quad bike at sabs on a public right of way. In 2023 Wiltshire Police announced their plans to improve the way they respond to violence against women and girls with their initiative entitled ‘Listening Circles.’ This was forged from feedback whereby almost 50% of women asked said they didn’t report a crime of violence against them as they felt they would not be taken seriously, or because of past experiences with the police. Despite this feedback and Tomlinson’s history of erratic violence, Wiltshire Police did not charge him for the attack on the female sab. Simon Tomlinson viciously pushed a female sab to the ground but Wiltshire Police decided to take no further action. Just last week Fred Ford, a rider with the Blackmore & Sparkford Vale Hunt (BSV) was found guilty of assault by beating. Ford, who is a regular rider with the BSV, Portman Hunt and the Devon & Somerset Staghounds, pinned a female sab to a gate while she was trying to access a public footpath. Even when the sab was on the phone to the police Ford continued to tighten his grip on her, until another sab was able to intervene. Furthermore, Fred’s son Charlie Ford, who is the huntsman for the Dorset & Somerset Bassetts, was recently found guilty of illegally hunting a hare. It appears that violence is a family tradition for the Ford’s. Fred Ford pinned a female sab against a gate before proceeding to tighten his grip on her. He was found guilty of assault by beating and ordered to pay costs totalling £1574. The HSA recently reported on the Albrighton & Woodland Hunt huntsman Paul Larby, and whipper in Phillipa Ward, who viciously attacked a Shropshire Wildlife Monitor in an unprovoked attack, leaving her eye severely swollen and bruised. The seemingly endless list of these kinds of attacks from hunters towards female sabs keeps increasing season after season. The volume of physical attacks reported on are shocking and deeply worrying, and this does not include incidents of verbal abuse where sexualised, misogynistic and threatening language is used to try and intimidate sabs, although this does also come hand in hand with physical attacks. For example, the attack by Cottesmore Hunt steward and butcher Gwilym Owen, who body-slammed a female sab to the floor then proceeded to stand over her whilst she knelt in the mud trying to get up. Another hunt member, Dean Cripps looked on laughing, whilst commenting that “Gwilym looks as though he’s enjoying being pleasured over there”. When the sab got back to her feet she was then thrown back down onto the floor. Cottesmore Hunt thugs get their kicks by throwing female sabs into the mud and making sexualised and misogynistic comments. The very nature of hunting is violent and sadistic and as we’ve seen recently from footage at the Coniston Foxhounds dig-out and the Stowe Beagles hare kill, young people, quite often children, are present at these hunts, exposing them to and normalising violence. Furthermore, the misogynistic language used towards female sabs, which is often laughed at by other hunt members, makes it appear acceptable to speak to women in this manner, setting a precedent for the younger generation. Students from a Buckinghamshire private school, which is home to the Stowe Beagles, congratulate each other as a hare is ripped apart by hounds. In response to a recent document collated by the HSA in relation to violence against female saboteurs author Carol J Adams gave the following statement; "Some of the thug-like actions against women hunt saboteurs remind me of the behaviour of ICE agents in the United States. These immigration agents, militarized under Trump into lawless action, have mostly escaped prosecution for attacking protestors. Like ICE agents, hunters and their supporters use misogynistic language when referring to women (‘cunt,’ ‘bitch,’etc). Sociological studies of violence suggest that objectifying language helps to create distance between the attacker and the victim, enabling them to see women as less than human.” 'Trail hunting' does not exist, but what does is the sickening violence within this community. Whether it is towards animals; wildlife, hounds and horses, or towards other people. There is a widely recognised correlation between those who abuse animals going onto commit violent offences against humans, with animal abuse being cited as an indicator of future violent offending. In a world where wildlife is hounded, hunted and torn apart, often in the presence of children and young people, violence towards humans comes hand in hand. ‘Trail’ hunting is not only a smokescreen for illegal hunting; it continues to facilitate the violence that hunts inflict upon those exposing it and stopping it. Join the Hunt Saboteurs Association! Support our vital work by becoming a member. Join The HSA Spread the word! Please share our news Share via email Facebook icon Instagram icon Twitter icon Logo Copyright (C) 2026 Hunt Saboteurs Association. All rights reserved. You were subscribed to the newsletter from Hunt Saboteurs Association. Our mailing address is: BM HSA, London, WC1N 3XX, U.K. Want to change how you receive these emails? 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FROM PROTECT THE WILD. ROB POWNALLIS OPPOSING FARAGE AS A FOX.

Forwarded this email? Subscribe here for more Front cover of Britain’s most read paper Things we love to see! ROB POWNALL JUL 10 READ IN APP We just got the front page of the Metro. A fox, on the cover of Britain’s biggest paper, making the exact argument we’ve been making for years: Farage isn’t anti-establishment, he’s pro fox hunting, and those two things cannot both be true. Metro is the biggest paper in the country. 2.5 million people read it every day. That’s how many saw this today, for free. A full page ad in Metro costs upwards of £45,000. The front page alone would cost a quarter of a million. We got both, plus a full feature inside, without paying a penny, because the story stood up on its own. The inside piece let me say it straight: “You cannot get any more establishment than Farage, who supports fox hunting. How can you claim to be this man of the people, while supporting pastimes that involve ripping apart animals?” That’s the whole campaign in two sentences, printed in the paper more people read on their commute than anything else in Britain. Then the Telegraph ran it too. Never thought I’d see the day. They went back through Farage’s own words from Boxing Day, when he said you might as well ban walking dogs in the countryside because Labour were “authoritarian control freaks” for moving to ban trail hunting. They laid out Reform’s manifesto commitment to protect country sports, and Braverman defending the loophole in the Commons. That’s not us saying it. That’s the Telegraph, printing the paper trail in their own words. LBC and the BBC have picked it up since, both having to actually explain why a bloke in a fox costume is standing against Farage. Every time they do, hunting’s back in the conversation. That timing matters. The government’s just come out of its consultation on ending trail hunting and is deciding right now how far to go. Every headline like this is a reminder that this issue is toxic, that the public’s paying attention, and that finishing the job properly is the popular thing to do, not the risky one. On the vote splitting point, because people keep understandably raising it: I got 18 votes in Makerfield. There are now close to a dozen candidates standing in Clacton. I am not asking anyone to vote for me. I’ve said that from day one. This was never about winning a seat. It’s about making sure that every time Farage tries to sell himself as the outsider, someone’s stood there in a fox costume reminding the country he’s spent his career defending the hunt. None of this happens without people backing it. If you want British wildlife staying in this conversation for the rest of the by-election, become a monthly donor Donate to Protect the Wild SHARE LIKE COMMENT RESTACK © 2026 Protect the Wild Protect the Wild, 71-75 Shelton Street Covent Garden, London, W2CH 9JQ Unsubscribe Start writing

IS THIS THE END OF GUGA AS A ‘PRIZED DELICASY’. IT’S CRUEL IT SHOULD BE OUTLAWED

Forwarded this email? Subscribe here for more Government watchdog rules Guga hunt is inhumane This is the beginning of the end for the Guga hunt. DEVON DOCHERTY JUL 8 READ IN APP This may be the most significant development in the fight to end the Guga hunt yet. The Scottish Animal Welfare Commission (SAWC) has concluded that it is “unaware of a humane way” to kill Gannets during the Guga hunt. In a letter to the Cabinet Secretary for Climate Action and Rural Affairs, SAWC Chair Professor Cathy Dwyer set out the results of the Commission’s review into the animal welfare aspects of the hunt, which involves up to 2000 Gannet chicks being killed on the remote Scottish island of Sula Sgeir every year. It’s done for nothing more than a cruel tradition, with the bird’s flesh eaten as a “prized delicacy.” SIGN THE PETITION SAWC concluded that there is no reasonable way to ensure Gannet chicks are spared unnecessary suffering as they are captured from their nests and killed by blunt force trauma. But the Commission’s concerns extended far beyond the moment of death. They recognised that the hunt subjects Gannets to fear, anxiety, and distress caused by human activity. This includes the fear experienced by chicks as they are captured and handled by hunters, and the distress of parent birds forced to witness their chicks being removed and killed. They warned that prolonged disturbance can lead to nest abandonment, leaving chicks to starve. As for the impact on other breeding seabirds who share Sula Sgeir with the Gannets, the Commission highlighted that disturbance is one of their greatest conservation threats. SAWC consulted the Humane Slaughter Association during their review, and we'll let their conclusions speak for themselves: The current method raises serious welfare concerns at every stage, not just stunning/killing: capture, restraint, and handling, would all cause significant distress. It is difficult to reconcile the current procedure with NatureScot’s own licence condition that birds should be killed humanely, especially if one considers every action from the point of capture to be part of the killing process. The Scottish SPCA also objects to the killing method and remains opposed to the Guga hunt on animal welfare grounds. That's three of the country's leading animal welfare authorities all reaching the same conclusion: the Guga hunt is inhumane. Why is this so significant? This marks the first time that advice against the Guga hunt has come from a Government-appointed body. SAWC are not campaigners or an outside animal welfare organisation. They are the Scottish Government’s independent advisory body on animal welfare. The Commission is made up of leading experts in veterinary science, animal welfare and animal behaviour, whose role is to provide independent advice to Scottish Ministers on animal welfare policy. Since petitions against the hunt began gathering momentum last year, the Scottish Government has maintained that it has no plans to outlaw the hunt and gave repeated assurances about humane killing. Now, their own experts say that humane killing simply isn't possible under the conditions on Sula Sgeir. They cannot disregard this. As we alluded earlier, another reason this is so significant is that one of NatureScot’s key licence conditions is that birds “must be killed immediately and in a humane manner.” There is now robust evidence this condition cannot be met, fundamentally undermining the basis on which any future licence could be granted. How can NatureScot grant a licence requiring humane killing when the Scottish Government’s own advisors say humane killing is impossible? They can’t. Not this year. Not next year. Not ever. This should be the end of the Guga hunt. This ruling not only paves the way for NatureScot to reject this year’s licence, but for the Guga hunt to be outlawed completely. What can you do? Here’s where you come in. The most immediate threat to the Gannets is this year’s licence being granted, and that’s down to NatureScot. We need thousands of people contacting NatureScot to make sure these damning new findings can't be ignored. The experts have spoken, and it’s time to listen. EMAIL NATURESCOT We have an easy e-action tool to help you email NatureScot it under a minute ⬆️ We’ve now changed the wording of that email to acknowledge the new development. Some of you had problems sending the email and received an invalid address error. We’ve done everything we can to fix this, so please try again. If you have already sent an email, you may wish to leave a comment on NatureScot’s Facebook or Instagram posts to remind them to stop the Guga hunt. SHARE LIKE COMMENT RESTACK © 2026 Protect the Wild Protect the Wild, 71-75 Shelton Street Covent Garden, London, W2CH 9JQ Unsubscribe Start writing

AMY OF MARINE CONSERVATION TALKS ABOUT THE BIG SEAWEED SEARCH

Big Seaweed Search, rockpooling guides and positive ocean news View in browser Marine Conservation Society logo Donate Join Shop Learn | News | Good Fish Guide Different species of seaweed are picture in a rockpool The Big Seaweed Search returns Get involved from 27th July - 2nd August Credit: National History Museum Hi John, Thank you to everyone who joined us for our World Ocean Week celebrations last month. It was brilliant to see thousands of you get stuck into our activities and events and we hope you enjoyed connecting with our marine environment and like-minded ocean enthusiasts. This month, we’re celebrating the 10th anniversary of our Big Seaweed Search partnership with the Natural History Museum. From the 27th July – 2nd August, citizen scientists from across the UK will be heading out to the coast to record the different types of seaweed present, and we’d love for you to join in! This free, fun activity is suitable for all ages and you can find all the resources and training you need on our website. Go seaweed spotting > Summer means there are plenty of opportunities to explore the coast and the wonderful marine life living there. Learn how to identify species in rockpools with our video guide, write a letter to our ocean for our latest campaign, or give yourself a good dose of positive ocean news. Let's dive in. Staff member Amy is smiling at the camera wearing a light pink jumper. Amy Digital Channels Manager A small yellow sea slug is pictured on the surface of a rockpool, surrounded by seaweed Credit: Samara Skyrne What wonders will you discover? Rockpooling guides From tiny crabs to spiky anemones, there’s a whole world of marine life waiting to be discovered in rockpools. Our videos take you through how to safely explore these fascinating pools and offer top tips to spotting what's living beneath the waves. Let's go rockpooling > Durdle door is pictured from a nearby cliff. The blue waters sparkle in the sunshine as the sea laps over the white sand Credit: Grace Westgarth Share your hopes for our ocean Post to the coast Write or draw a message to our future ocean, sharing your hopes for healthy seas. This simple, creative activity is a great way to connect with the ocean and think about how we can help protect it for future generations. Your entry can be a word, letter or drawing and the whole family can get involved - the deadline is 24th July. Submit your entry > A small yellow sea slug is pictured on the surface of a rockpool, surrounded by seaweed Credit: Rob Stillwell It's not all doom and gloom Positive ocean news With our latest oyster deployment underway in South Wales, a new water pollution monitoring scheme and a photography exhibition to celebrate marine life, the past month brought some more good news for our seas. Celebrate ocean wins > Facebook logo Threads logo Instagram logo LinkedIn logo Bluesky logo Contact Us General 01989 566017 info@mcsuk.org Membership membership@mcsuk.org Beach cleans beachwatch@mcsuk.org Fundraising fundraising@mcsuk.org The Marine Conservation Society is the UK charity dedicated to protecting our seas, shores and wildlife. Marine Conservation Society | Company Limited by Guarantee (England and Wales) No. 2550966 Registered Charity No. England and Wales No. 1004005 | Scotland No. SC037480 VAT No. 321 4912 32 Registered Office: Overross House, Ross Park, Ross-on-Wye, Herefordshire, HR9 7US. Scottish Office: CBC House, 24 Canning Street, Edinburgh, EH3 8EG. Contact us | Privacy policy | Unsubscribe

PROTECT THE WILD—NATURE SCOTLAND—PROTEST AND ALL ABOUT GUGA AGAIN

Forwarded this email? Subscribe here for more We Protested Outside NatureScot as their Board Discussed the Guga Hunt This morning, we were there. DEVON DOCHERTY JUL 2 READ IN APP This morning, we were there. As NatureScot’s Board gathered to discuss the Guga hunt licence application, we were outside their headquarters - with placards, megaphones and Gannet suits, reminding them that they have the power to stop this hunt, and the responsibility to do so. Yesterday, we asked you to email NatureScot’s Board ahead of the meeting. Thousands of you took the time to make your voices heard - and we wanted to represent them in person. We’re so grateful to the incredible people who showed up to support us today and stand up for Gannets, despite it being so early in the morning on a weekday in the Scottish Highlands! For too long, decisions about the Guga hunt have been made quietly behind closed doors. It’s about time that changed. Whether they agreed with us or not, at least they couldn’t ignore us. But today’s protest wasn’t just about putting pressure on NatureScot. It was also about raising awareness of a hunt that far too few people know still happens. It’s already generated significant media coverage, and we’re expecting to feature on STV News at Six this evening. Every interview and article is another opportunity to expose the Guga hunt to thousands more people. What happened at the meeting? Not much. The Board had set aside 40 minutes to discuss the process for assessing the Guga hunt licence application. In the end, the discussion lasted less than eight minutes, and not a single Board member asked a question. To be clear, the Board wasn’t deciding whether to grant the licence today. They were being given an overview of the licensing process, the legal framework NatureScot must follow, and an insight into the scientific review that is currently being conducted. Perhaps they were reluctant to comment while they’re still awaiting the results of that review. Even so, I’d hoped to hear a little more engagement from the Board. This is, after all, the process that will ultimately determine whether hundreds of baby Gannets get to live or die, and their silence on that is concerning. What’s next? NatureScot’s Board will meet again in early August to discuss the results of their new analysis and decide whether or not to grant the licence to kill. We’ll let you know as soon as the results of that review are available and when we have a concrete date for the decision next month. In the meantime, we’ll be scrutinising every development, continuing to make the case for Gannets, and doing everything we can to ensure NatureScot makes the right decision. P.S. Some of you reported an “invalid address” error with our email tool. That’s now been fixed, so we’d really appreciate it if you could re-send your email to NatureScot now! EMAIL NATURESCOT Adopt a Gannet - Power the fight against the Guga hunt! If you’re reading this, you’re probably already part of the movement to end the Guga hunt. Whether you’ve signed a petition, emailed NatureScot, shared our campaign or joined us at a protest, thank you. But if we’re going to win, we need the resources to keep fighting. Every investigation, animation, protest, report and media campaign is only possible because people like you chip in a few pounds each month. ADOPT A GANNET If you’re able to, please consider symbolically adopting a Gannet with a monthly donation. As a thank you, we’ll send you one of our limited edition soft Gannet plushies - a reminder of the birds you’re helping to protect, and of the campaign you’re helping power until Britain’s last seabird hunt is finally brought to an end. SHARE LIKE COMMENT RESTACK © 2026 Protect the Wild Protect the Wild, 71-75 Shelton Street Covent Garden, London, W2CH 9JQ Unsubscribe Start writing

AN INTERESTING NOTE FROM ROGER FROM BIRDLIFE INTERNATIONAL

View email in browser Hi John, I'm Roger, a BirdLife International supporter, and I’m doing a Supporter Takeover email today to share why this work matters so much to me, and why I hope it will matter to you too. I still remember the moment I saw the Rarotonga Monarch in 2009. It was one of those rare experiences that stays with you. Seeing such a beautiful bird filled me with wonder, but also with a deep sense of how precious and fragile these species are. Later, when I read about other monarchs that urgently need help, I felt I could not simply admire birds and hope for the best. I decided to support the Fatu Hiva Monarch because I wanted to do something real to help protect birds whose future is far from secure. For me, this work matters because too many birds are disappearing, for too many reasons. That can feel heartbreaking. But it also reminds me how urgently BirdLife International’s work is needed, and how much hope there is when people choose to act together. Supporting BirdLife International feels like a way of showing up for that beauty, that life, and that chance to protect it while we still can. What inspires me about being a supporter of BirdLife International is that, together, we are not standing by while species vanish. BirdLife is bringing people together across countries and continents to protect birds, the habitats they depend on. That kind of commitment gives me hope, and it is why I am proud to support this work and to share this message with you. If you are like me and you have been thinking about supporting BirdLife International, I would encourage you to take that step today. Please make a donation if you can. Birds need our help now, and they need it at both a national and international level. Every act of support matters, and every gift is a sign that these remarkable birds are not being left behind. Have your donation doubled to give birds a lifeline And if you already give, like me, I hope you might also reach out to friends and family so that, together, we can support BirdLife International in every way we can. Thank you for caring and for giving me a chance to share this message with you. Best wishes, Roger (a fellow supporter of BirdLife International) P.S I know all donations are being matched up to $20,000 thanks to another generous supporter to give birds around the world a lifeline. This is a real great opportunity to have your donations doubled. Instagram Facebook YouTube Website You are receiving this email because you opted-in to hear from BirdLife International BirdLife International is a registered charity 1042125 Address: BirdLife International The David Attenborough Building Pembroke Street Cambridge CB2 3QZ UK For full details on how we collect, use and store your personal information see our Privacy Policy. update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list. Copyright © 2026, All rights reserved.

TODAY IS NATIONAL MEADOWS DAY SAY PLANTLIFE

It's almost National Meadows Day! View this email in your browser Donate Join Shop Hi John, We're getting ready to celebrate, because on Saturday (4 July) it's National Meadows Day! For centuries, meadows have shaped the history of our landscapes and been central to our communities and culture. Our stories are intertwined with meadows. We have cared for meadows for generations, but now they are at more risk than ever. That's why this year we are calling on you to celebrate the meadows near you, the communities who care for them and the stories they can tell us. Take part in National Meadows Day We must act together to share these stories and stop these precious parts of our heritage from fading away. We need to value them again – for nature, climate and people. Here’s some ways you can take part in #NationalMeadowsDay: Share your meadow story on 4 July - chat to your friends or family in person or post on social media. You could shout out a farmer or community group working to protect these habitats. share a photo or video from your favourite meadow or share an anecdote or memory. Let’s fill social media with meadows, using the hashtag #NationalMeadowsDay and tagging us (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn and Bluesky). Write to your local politician and ask them to support farmers and communities who care for wildflower-rich meadows. You can find a template to use by following the link below. Help protect our meadows It's time to rediscover the important connection between meadows and people. Thank you. Charley Adams, Plantlife Nature Editor Follow Plantlife on: Instagram Instagram Facebook Facebook YouTube YouTube LinkedIn LinkedIn Website Website Copyright © Plantlife All rights reserved. Plantlife International is a charitable company limited by guarantee. Registered Charity in England and Wales (1059559) & Scotland, (SC038951) Registered Company in England and Wales (3166339) Registered Office: Brewery House,36 Milford Street, Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP1 2AP, UK Tel: +44 (0) 1722 342730 enquiries@plantlife.org.uk www.plantlife.org.uk Plantlife respects your privacy. You can read more about how and why we use your personal data at www.plantlife.org.uk/privacy-notice Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.

FLYWAYS—HOW OUR MIGRATORY BIRDS TRAVEL TO US AND BACK AGAIN BY BIRDLIFE INTERNATIONAL

View email in browser Hi John, Last week, we shared that BirdLife has been helping protect birds for more than 100 years. Today, we want to show you how that work happens. Migratory birds connect landscapes, countries and even continents through their incredible long-distance journeys. As they travel to and from their breeding grounds, birds use routes known as ‘Flyways’. Protecting a Flyway means protecting a chain of places birds need to rest, feed and survive as they cross continents. That takes local action, science and global teamwork. Across our Partnership, people are restoring habitats, working with communities, monitoring birds and protecting the sites migratory species depend upon. Click here to read Akshita’s story from Lake Natron, Tanzania Click here to find out how Hólmfríður stays optimistic protecting Iceland’s wetlands Click here to see how Tareq monitors migratory birds in the Jordan Rift Valley All these stories show that it takes careful, long-term work, and it is only possible because supporters like you help make it happen. Thank you. Best wishes, Mairianne Walker | BirdLife International Supporter Care team Instagram Facebook YouTube Website You are receiving this email because you opted-in to hear from BirdLife International BirdLife International is a registered charity 1042125 Address: BirdLife International The David Attenborough Building Pembroke Street Cambridge CB2 3QZ UK For full details on how we collect, use and store your personal information see our Privacy Policy. update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list. Copyright © 2026, All rights reserved.

PROTECT THE WILD SEE THE BEAUTY OF FREEFLYING GANNETS—END THE GUGA HUNT FOR IT’S BARBARIC

Forwarded this email? Subscribe here for more I went to the place where the Guga hunt begins. I didn't expect to see this. I went out of curiosity, not really knowing what I’d find. I definitely didn’t expect this. DEVON DOCHERTY JUN 27 READ IN APP On the northernmost tip of the Isle of Lewis lies Ness, a remote district comprising 16 small villages. At first glance, there is little to distinguish Ness from countless other Scottish coastal communities. Quiet villages of weather-beaten houses, narrow roads and rugged coastline overlooking the Atlantic. But there's one thing that makes Ness unlike anywhere else in Britain. It’s the home of the UK’s last seabird hunt. What is the Guga hunt? Centuries ago, when this community was isolated from the mainland and without reliable food sources, they were forced to find sustenance wherever they could. Every summer, they sailed 40 miles north into the Atlantic to the remote island of Sula Sgeir, where they hunted young Gannet chicks - known locally as Guga - and salted them for the winter. It was a very dangerous journey, made out of desperation. Although that necessity did nothing to lessen the suffering of the Gannets, it does help explain why the Guga hunt began. But that world no longer exists. Ness is no longer cut off. The men who make the journey today do so by choice - for tradition, and because young Gannet flesh has become a local delicacy with paying customers. END THE GUGA HUNT The decision about whether the Guga hunt still goes ahead rests with Scotland’s nature agency, NatureScot. And this year, as that licence application sits under consideration, I wanted to see the place for myself. I went out of curiosity, not really knowing what I’d find. I definitely didn’t expect this. Gannets everywhere! It was an extraordinary sight. Gannets plunging into the water right in front of me. Soaring overhead. Alive, wild and completely at home. I stood on the harbour watching them, unable to look away. I knew Gannets lived around Lewis. But I hadn't expected this - not here, not like this, at the harbour where it all begins. These birds are breathtaking up close - huge, white with a flash of orange, impossibly graceful, folding their wings and dropping into the sea like torpedos. I lost track of how long I stood there. And then it hit me. This is what the hunters see before they leave. They watch them dive. They watch them soar. And then they sail north to bludgeon their chicks to death. I can't stop thinking about that. We’ve been asking the wrong question To the hunters, scenes like this are proof there are “enough” Gannets to kill. But this was never only about whether the Guga hunt can continue. It’s about whether it should. Standing at that harbour, watching those birds survive against all odds, I felt the answer very clearly. This is where Gannets belong. Alive, free and undisturbed. Not on the receiving end of a weapon, or on someone’s plate. The consumption and trade of wildlife has no place in 2026. It is a needless waste of life and it’s pushing seabirds ever closer to the brink. NatureScot is currently deciding whether to grant the licence for the hunt this year. You can urge them to reject it by clicking the button below. NATURESCOT - STOP THE GUGA HUNT When I think back to Ness, I don’t see the harbour, or the boats, nor the men who may soon board them. I picture Gannets suspended on the wind, wheeling over the Atlantic, living the only lives they will ever have. They've survived storms, starvation and thousands of miles of open ocean. I hope they survive us, too. Join the fight Pick up a Gannet pin badge and stand with these incredible birds. Your purchase directly supports our full-time campaign to end Britain’s last seabird hunt and keep Gannets where they belong - alive, wild and free. GET YOUR PIN BADGE SHARE LIKE COMMENT RESTACK © 2026 Protect the Wild Protect the Wild, 71-75 Shelton Street Covent Garden, London, W2CH 9JQ Unsubscribe Start writing

WILD JUSTICE WITH THE LONG RUNNING LEGAL DEBATE ON BADGER CULLING

Good afternoon, Today we bring you news on the outcome of our legal challenge against Natural England’s decision to issue supplementary licences for Badger culling – a result which is complicated, nuanced, but in our opinion, ultimately very positive. Natural England concedes farming interests must not drive Badger cull decisions following our legal challenge. Our, long running challenge against supplementary Badger culling licences finally concluded this week, after a hearing at our day in court on the High Court on 16th June. The Honourable Mr Justice Fordham handed down his judgment today, in which he declined to grant a declaration. On the face of it this isn’t a very clear outcome – essentially the judgment is that there is no judgment. But crucially, through taking this legal challenge, we’ve secured some important admissions from Natural England and Defra which could have nationwide implications for Badgers and any proposed future culls. Most importantly, they have formally recognised, on the record, that farming interests, political pressure, and budget considerations must not be factors considered when authorising Badger culls. Through this legal challenge, we uncovered internal documents that would never have otherwise entered the public domain. These papers, prepared for Natural England's Executive Committee (“NexCo”), briefed senior leadership on applications for supplementary Badger cull licences and they were very illuminating. The documents listed five considerations that were implied to be relevant to the granting of cull licences, which were: Potential consequences for Natural England's "wider relationships within the farming community" Potential consequences for Natural England's relationship with Defra Natural England's exposure to compensation claims from the farming industry Pressure to meet farming industry timelines and avoid "questions raised by the NFU" Consequences for Natural England's budget, including potential staff layoffs and wellbeing issues Natural England subsequently granted 26 supplementary Badger cull licences on 3 May 2024, despite its own Director of Science stating there was "no justification" for the cull. Following this, we brought this legal challenge (along with the Badger Trust) on the basis that Natural England’s decision had been improperly influenced by these irrelevant considerations. In a witness statement filed some 15 months after the cased was lodged in court, Natural England clarified that while the NexCo Paper was commissioned so that its executive committee “could understand the risks and consequences of the different decisions that might be taken” and was accessible to the person making the decision on the licences (Dr Oliver Harmer, who sits on NexCo (here), he did not in fact click on a link to it (and therefore see the paper) before making his decision on the licences. We think it is quite surprising that decisions of this importance can be made by senior officials without considering comprehensive briefing materials. But regardless, as a result, no finding of unlawfulness could be made, and the Court declined our invitation to formally rule that the five considerations would have been unlawful, only on the basis that courts should not rule on hypothetical questions (now that the application and culls have passed). However, crucially, both Natural England and the Defra Secretary of State conceded (NE before and during the hearing and the Secretary of State at the hearing) that those considerations would have been unlawful to rely upon. Both have now formally recognised that farming interests, political pressure, and budget considerations must play no part in authorising any future Badger culls. This is a good outcome for Badgers, because as we know that there is also no scientific justification for similar culls. We brought this case because we believe Badger culling is inhumane, lacks scientific justification, and in this case apparently pursued primarily to satisfy the farming lobby rather than on legitimate public health grounds. The internal documents we uncovered vindicated those concerns, and without this challenge, they would never have seen the light of day. We also recognised that while the target of the legal challenge was the decision to approve the licences in May 2024, the case was (and was always intended to be) an audit of the legality of public decision-making.As the Judge noted in a previous judgment in this case: “it is always on the cards that judicial review will be backward looking in this kind of case. That does not undermine the value of the legal audit. Nor is that value necessarily a function of the outcomes of cases. The public interest enterprise of judicial review accountability secures lawfulness. It promotes discipline. It exposes unlawfulness. It promotes public confidence in public authority decision-making”. What is important is that a decision to cull Badgers based on these types of erroneous and unlawful factors should never be taken again. This lengthy process has also resulted in a free-standing and landmark judgment on the issue of legal costs. During proceedings last year, Natural England attempted to remove our standard costs protections under the Aarhus Convention, in an apparent attempt to make the challenge unaffordable for Wild Justice and Badger Trust. The Court emphatically rejected this, affirming that legal challenges of this kind "promote a public interest in an environmental protection context." At the time, Mr Justice Fordham said “Finally, the signals which the law gives in environmental judicial review cases matter. Especially when the rationale of environmental costs caps is to avoid inappropriate deterrence or chilling effects. All of which is because something bigger than all of us is at stake: the environment which we share with each other, and with others, and for which we are responsible.” This ruling benefits environmental cases far beyond the world of Badger culls (read a great blog on it here), strengthening the ability of charities, campaign groups and individuals across the board to bring environmental challenges without facing prohibitive costs. It has already been cited in several court cases, including in the Supreme Court last week. Back in April 2025, our solicitors at Leigh Day offered to drop the case entirely in exchange for each side bearing their own costs. We thought this was a fair and reasonable offer. Natural England refused however, demanding instead that we pay all of their legal costs to date. That figure was £5,800. We pushed on, and ultimately the judge ordered that neither side pays the other's costs, vindicating our decision to reject NE's demand. Had NE accepted our offer, months of further litigation could have been avoided. Instead, their refusal to engage reasonably meant the case continued, and the concessions we secured came with it. Once again, we’d like to thank our brilliant legal team at Leigh Day who helped get this case to court – your dedication throughout many twists and turns has been admirable. So, thank you Ricky Gama, Carol Day, Julia Eriksen and Madeeha Akhtar at Leigh Day, David Wolfe KC at Matrix Chambers and Barney McCay at Landmark Chambers – you’ve all been brilliant! And, most importantly, thank you – our supporters who helped us bring this case into the court room. Without your support over the last two years (!), we wouldn’t have been able to shine a light on these decision making processes and, ultimately, help ensure that unlawful decisions aren’t made in the future. You can read our press release on the case on our website - click here. Thank you, Wild Justice (CEO: Bob Elliot. Directors: Chris Packham and Ruth Tingay). This is the 270th Wild Justice newsletter. This email was sent to you because you subscribed to it through the Wild Justice website or through an e-action or a petition where you ticked a box. Thank you. We will only use your personal details to send you the Wild Justice newsletter. We will not give or sell your details to anyone else. You can unsubscribe at any time: there is an unsubscribe button at the foot of this email or you can reply to this email and ask us to remove you from the list (the former will happen immediately, the latter might take a few days). 124, City Road London Greater London EC1V 2NX UNITED KINGDOM Unsubscribe | Change Subscriber Options

THE HUNT SABOTEURS ON TRAIL HUNTING DECEIT AND ‘THE POSH’ WHO WANT TO GO ON KILLING FOXES

View this email in your browser Hi, Supporter He Astor Be Kidding: Top Fox Hunters Try To Hoodwink Government As reported in The Times hunt leaders, including British Hound Sports Association (BHSA) Chair, father-in-law to ex-PM David Cameron, Viscount Astor, are plotting to hoodwink the government into making small changes to the types of scent used by so-called ‘trail’ hunts enabling ministers to ‘claim victory’ without introducing the comprehensive legislation that would ensure an end to hunting wildlife with dogs. The 4th Viscount William Waldorf Astor III, current chair of the BHSA The plot formed part of the leaked minutes from a BHSA board meeting held in May 2026, in the prestigious Cavalry and Guards Club, a private members club in Mayfair, London. Just exactly the sort of distinguished setting you’d expect from those occupying the upper echelons of the hunting establishment, picture the scene - leather armchairs, military portraits adorning the walls and silver service dining rooms - discussing how to circumvent an incoming ban on hunting. The ‘garden room’ at the Cavalry and Guards private members club Hunters like to portray themselves as ordinary country folk, the reality is played out in private members’ clubs, where representatives of bloodsports groups, assembling beneath chandeliers in one of London’s most exclusive clubs are, despite massive public opposition, plotting ways to shape laws to suit them, assisted of course by a highly expensive consultancy, of the sort that are paid to change public opinion in favour of those with deep pockets. The BHSA itself emerged out of the ashes of the discredited Hunting Office following the fallout from the leaked Hunting Office webinars in 2020. As we warned at the time, simply taking ‘hunting’ out of the name will do nothing to change the culture of “dishonesty and evasion” and resistance to reform, the old guard became the new guard - same old, same old, and they want to repeat history, only this time it is drag hunting they will claim to be doing. The major flaw in this, is of course the fact the British public is overwhelmingly in support of a stronger ban, in rural areas, as much as towns and cities. Astor, of course in his ivory tower would not necessarily understand this, when he isn’t frequenting London’s exclusive clubs, he can of course be found on the hunting field with his home pack the Old Berks Hunt. Astor when not in his ivory tower, or private members clubs can be found hunting foxes at his home pack, the Old Berks. Photo: Bristol Hunt Sabs Those that have been following our news will know that the Old Berks is also home to two of the most sadistic hunters that have come to light in recent years; Oliver Thompson and Rob Shearring. The BHSA has no qualms in hunts employing individuals convicted of grotesque animal cruelty within hunt management and staff - Shearing is a current master of the OB, and it is reported that Thompson is returning as amateur whipper-in for the 2026/7 season. Reputationally ‘trail’ hunting is already at gutter level, and soon it will be consigned to history’s sewer. Thompson (centre) digging a fox out as Shearring (left) blocks an escape with a spade and his boot. And now they appear intent on dragging drag hunting into the stench with them. We have already raised concerns that hunts will simply reinvent themselves as drag hunts, if the government fails to address this loophole, and how the Countryside Alliance have already indicated this is what they will use to continue to operate as they have always done. Its Director of Hunting, Polly Portwin, recently stated: “We will find a way, we’ve had to find a way and we’re going to have to adapt”. The warning signs are already there. Two fox hunts, including the Crawley & Horsham Hunt – a hunt with multiple Hunting Act convictions - have already transferred their allegiance to the Masters of Draghounds and Bloodhounds Association (MDBA). Whilst the MDBA is predominantly a bloodhound (Clean Boot) association, drag hunts are also governed by this organisation, and before those two fox hunt arrivals, only five drag hunts were registered with the MDBA. When dozens, if not hundreds, more fox, stag or hare hunts make the same move, the organisation will be overwhelmed and transformed into the old BHSA almost overnight. The Crawley & Horsham Hunt have multiple convictions for Hunting Act offences as well as violence and thuggery. They have now switched to the MDBA, despite their former huntsman Richard Gurney coaching others in lawbreaking during the infamous Hunting Office Webinars. If Astor’s delusions ever see light of day, rather than “trail” hunts converting to drag hunting, drag hunting will simply be reshaped to accommodate fox hunting. Drag hunting as it was will simply cease to exist. The master-plot involves the government falling for the sly offer to “start the process of conversion [of scent] next season so that, by season 2028, we would not be using any animal-based scent or lifting of laid trails, therefore, in effect, drag hunting”. Now aside from the obvious staggering entitlement of dictating government timetables, this is wholly reliant on the government accepting this offer instead of legislation. So, if the entire plan depends upon ministers accepting voluntary changes, what is in it for the government? Apparently ministers get to “save face” by appearing to bring an end to hunting without actually legislating its demise, and in return, Astor offers some kind of trial period, that hunting is given the opportunity to “change its ways”, and if they fail to convince ministers, only then a bill could be considered, but he goes on to state that by then this would of course conveniently be close to the “next general election”. In other words, drag hunting will be reshaped, not only to accommodate fox hunting, but to actively act as some kind of waiting room for repeal of hunting laws. Preserve the hunt, kennels, staff, and land for hunting and of course preserve the institutional management of fox hunting as long as possible, keep hunting wildlife, in the hope of a far-right victory in the polls. In other words, playing for time. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch courting the hunting vote with notorious hunt thug Ollie Dale of the Heythrop Hunt by supporting a hunt fundraiser, the Heythrop Point-2-Point. The plan to retain the infrastructure of fox hunting, in the hope that they can get in a Reform or even a Tory government to repeal any legislation - both leaders of Reform Ltd and the Conservative Party, Nigel Farage and Kemi Badenoch respectively, are in favour of hunting with dogs, with Farage going further and suggesting a repeal of the original 2004 Hunting Act maybe on the cards. Nigel Farage, a long term supporter of fox hunting, states he would even repeal the original Hunting Act, pictured Boxing Day 2025 at Chiddington Castle with the Old Surrey, Burstow & West Kent Hunt. Of course, when the time comes and they seriously have to campaign for an election they’ll likely change their tune once they realise that hunting wildlife with dogs remains deeply unpopular with the British public. Agitators like Farage may well find it easy to signal support for hunts when speaking to sympathetic audiences but mounting an election challenge with sadistic ritualised animal cruelty on the agenda isn’t the vote winner some might think it is. The infamous Hunting Office Webinars, Hunting’s leaders - including former senior police officers and members of the House of Lords - coaching huntmasters and huntsmen on how to hunt foxes and get away with it. The Government should, of course, bear in mind that hunting's leadership is neither short of money nor short of influence. When strategy meetings are being held in exclusive Mayfair clubs and supported by expensive professional consultants, ministers should assume that every possible loophole, exemption and smokescreen will be identified and pushed for. The lessons from the last twenty years are obvious; if a loophole exists, hunts will drive a horsebox through it. Parliament should write the law on the assumption that every promise, assurance and undertaking will be tested to destruction - just like hunts said they would do, and did do with the original ban. That is why we are still here today. Any new ban must therefore be watertight, leaving no room for reinterpretation, and certainly no “voluntary” agreements - only the terminally gullible would still take these shameless liars at their word. Join the Hunt Saboteurs Association! Support our vital work by becoming a member. Join The HSA Spread the word! Please share our news Share via email Facebook icon Instagram icon Twitter icon Logo Copyright (C) 2026 Hunt Saboteurs Association. All rights reserved. You were subscribed to the newsletter from Hunt Saboteurs Association. Our mailing address is: BM HSA, London, WC1N 3XX, U.K. Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe

THE ‘EYE IN THE WILD’ FROM PROTECT THE WILD—SEE WHAT BEAVERS CAN DO

Forwarded this email? Subscribe here for more Eye on the Wild - Your weekly roundup of British wildlife news Eye on the Wild #5 ELIZA EGRET JUN 26 READ IN APP Welcome to the fifth edition of Eye on the Wild, our new weekly roundup designed to keep you up to date with the latest stories concerning British wildlife. Each week, we’ll share important news, updates and stories from across the UK, including issues, species, and campaigns that may not always make the headlines. We’ll also highlight ways you can help and take action for wildlife. If you have a story you think we should cover, email us at contact@protectthewild.org.uk For the first time in over a century, a pine marten has been spotted in Sussex Homeowner Andrew spotted the animal in his garden in Worthing while he was having his morning coffee. He said that the pine marten was on the path, enjoying the sunshine. Pine martens remain critically endangered in England and Wales. Hunting and woodland destruction drove the species to the brink of extinction during the 19th century. They have been reintroduced across England and Wales, including Dartmoor, Exmoor, Cumbria, the Forest of Dean and Mid Wales. The South East Pine Marten Restoration Project has also been planning a reintroduction of the species in the southeast. The collaboration between Kent Wildlife Trust, Wildwood Trust, Sussex Wildlife Trust, Ashdown Forest and Forestry England is still in its early stages, determining whether the habitat is suitable, as well as assessing public and stakeholder support for the project. The Worthing pine marten beat the project to it! Nature’s engineers are transforming the North York Moors! Cropton Forest's downstream communities had been facing repeated flooding over a 20-year period. In 2007 one flood caused roughly £7 million in damage to homes and businesses. So in 2019 two beavers were released into a secure enclosure in Cropton Forest to maintain existing dams and create their own. The beavers were monitored over a five-year period. They built six dams, and 11 kits were born. And now researchers have confirmed they have been preventing floods and increasing wildlife diversity. The University of Leeds’ Professor Mark Smith said: “The site was transformed by the beavers in ways we never imagined.” Smith continued: “We saw peak flow reductions, increased drought tolerance and increases in plant diversity and in vertebrates, such as mammals, amphibians and [invertebrates such as] dragonflies.” Beavers were once hunted to extinction in the UK for their fur and scent glands, but there have been a number of beaver reintroduction projects. London’s Ealing beavers have also made headlines in recent days. They have prevented flooding in an area that has suffered since the 1970s. Speaking about the UK’s beaver projects, The Wildlife Trusts states: “This isn’t just about the reintroduction of a species - it’s about the reintroduction of an entire ecosystem that’s been lost.” Do you want to know where beavers have been reintroduced in the UK? This interactive map brings together a list of reintroduction projects by the Beaver Trust and other organisations. More than 2,500 people have given their opinions on how we can urgently save the UK’s declining insects The Big Insect Rescue Survey was conducted by Buglife, Butterfly Conservation and Bumblebee Conservation Trust. Many respondents want to see the government setting stronger rules to reduce pesticide use. They want it to restore clean rivers, streams, lakes and ponds, and to protect them from pollution. There was strong support for helping farmers shift to more nature-friendly methods. Respondents also wanted protected habitats to be created and connected, allowing species to move. People also think that housing developments should be designed with nature in mind. Insects are absolutely essential for life. They pollinate crops, maintain soils, break down dead matter, and form a critical part of the food chain for countless species. The Bristol Declaration, launched in September 2025 and signed by leading wildlife organisations, states that reversing insect decline is essential, not optional. The organisations’ Big Insect Rescue Plan is calling on governments, businesses, land managers, and the public to take immediate action to protect insects. UK Swift Awareness Week begins on Saturday 27 June! Swift Awareness Week is back, with more than 100 events planned across the UK, organised by local groups across the Swifts Local Network and the RSPB. Swifts usually arrive in the UK from early May, after migrating 7,000 miles (11,000km) from sub-Saharan Africa. Numbers have declined by over 60% since the 1980s, and they’re now on the UK’s Red List of Birds of Conservation Concern. A major cause of this decline is the destruction and blocking of nesting sites. Just weeks ago, a large Swift colony was destroyed when developers tore down a building during nesting season. Between 17 and 22 active nests were thought to be lost during the destruction of Regent House in Dorking, Surrey. And so Swift Awareness Week is more vital than ever. Join walks, talks and events in your area. You can view a list of events on this Google Doc, or on RSPB. SHARE LIKE COMMENT RESTACK © 2026 Protect the Wild Protect the Wild, 71-75 Shelton Street Covent Garden, London, W2CH 9JQ Unsubscribe Start writing

FROM PROTECT THE WILD - ANIMATION GONE VIRAL

Forwarded this email? Subscribe here for more Our new animation on glue traps just hit 10 million views They're one of the most barbaric devices still used against wildlife in the UK - and Amazon is still selling them. JUN 24 READ IN APP A few days ago, we released our newest animation - and it’s gone viral. This time, we’re exposing the horrific realities of glue traps, one of the most barbaric devices still used against wildlife in the UK and beyond. Drawn in by food, animals become trapped on sticky mats coated with a powerful adhesive. They often spend hours or days stuck there, until they eventually succumb to exhaustion, dehydration or injury. The suffering and terror caused by these traps is unimaginable - animals have been known to chew off their own limbs in an attempt to escape. These traps are used for so called ‘pest control’ purposes, and rats and mice are their primary victims. But glue traps don’t discriminate, catching birds and squirrels, hedgehogs, cats and more. STOP GLUE TRAPS Just days ago, a Sunderland wildlife charity found a magpie stuck in a glue trap that had been used to catch a rat. Mike the magpie was stuck by his feathers, desperately struggling to free himself. There were seven glue traps found around the property, which had been baited with cheese. It’s actually illegal for the public to use glue traps to catch rodents in England, Scotland and Wales. Hardly any of the public are aware of this though, and glue traps continue to be widely sold online, often marketed for catching insects (which is bad enough). The homeowner where the magpie was trapped said they were unaware that glue traps were illegal, and they had assumed that they were fine to use as they had bought it through Amazon. Amazon’s customer reviews leave little doubt these devices are being used to target rats and mice in the UK. Just a warning, the following images are pretty horrific. But I think they’re important to see. What you can do right now The animation has reached 10 million people. Now we need those people to act. Amazon continues to sell glue traps. We’re calling on them to stop - and we need your voice backing that demand. SIGN THE PETITION Aside from urging major retailers to stop sales, we hope this animation will help to raise awareness of glue traps and stop people from using them. There is no humane way to use a glue trap - not for insects, not for mice, not for anything. They are cruel by design. Instead, we recommend a non-lethal humane trap, or to contact somewhere like Humane Wildlife Solutions, who voiced our animation. SHARE LIKE COMMENT RESTACK © 2026 Protect the Wild Protect the Wild, 71-75 Shelton Street Covent Garden, London, W2CH 9JQ Unsubscribe Start writing

FROM CORNWALL WILDLIFE TRUST - AN AWARD FOR TEMPERATE RAIN FOREST SONSERVATION

National climate award winners Dear John We’re delighted to share some exciting with you. Our temperate rainforest restoration project has won a national climate award, in tough competition from across the UK! After a nomination from South East Cornwall MP Anna Gelderd, the project was selected as a winner of ‘The Pride in Our Planet Awards’, by an independent judging panel chaired by Climate Minister Katie White MP. Read the full story This award highlights the importance of temperate rainforest, one of the UK’s rarest and most often overlooked habitats, with only around 1% remaining today. Thanks to your support, we’re restoring rainforest right here in Cornwall. This year has already seen us plant nearly 5,000 native trees at West Muchlarnick, working alongside volunteers, local schools, community groups, and businesses. And this is just the beginning. Over time, the project is expected to capture around 10,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent, alongside so many other benefits like improving habitat for wildlife, supporting communities, and increasing resilience to climate change. And we can’t do any of this without your support, so thank you for being part of our journey. From all the team, Cornwall Wildlife Trust #BecauseDoingChangesThings #WorldRainforestDay Proud to be a member of the South West Rainforest Alliance. View this email in your browser Facebook icon Instagram icon YouTube icon LinkedIn icon © 2026 Cornwall Wildlife Trust. All rights reserved. Registered charity number 214929. Privacy Policy and T&Cs Our mailing address is: Cornwall Wildlife Trust Five Acres, Allet, Truro, Cornwall, TR4 9DJ Want to change how you receive these emails? You can unsubscribe from this list.

FROM BUMBLEBEE CONSERVATION TRUST

view online Bumblebee Conservation Trust logo Bumblebee on white and pink flower with another bumblebee in flight to the right This week is National Insect Week! Despite the changeable June weather, the longer days and warmer temperatures are ideal for the humble bumblebee. Most nests are now well established, with workers and males actively foraging... even when it rains! Did you see? The Buff-tailed bumblebee has made the shortlist to feature on future banknotes! Cast your vote today and give bumblebees the spotlight they deserve. The Big Insect Rescue results published 📰 Two bumblebees and a butterfly on purple and white flower with blue sky Last autumn, we ran a survey alongside Butterfly Conservation and Buglife, to gather people's opinions on how everyone in the UK can work together to protect insects. Thousands of people responded, and the results have just been published. You can read about what people said were their top priorities to tackle insect declines. Find out what people want to see 📝 Show 'bee' the money! Vote today 💷 Illustration showing bumblebee on different denomination of notes in purple, green and reds The Buff-tailed bumblebee has made the shortlist to feature on the new banknotes … and you can help make it happen! The Bank of England is designing its next series of banknotes around the theme of UK wildlife, and public votes will help shape the decision about which animals will be chosen. This is a rare chance to champion this bumblebee, a species we all love, while shining a spotlight on the vital role pollinators play in our lives. You can read our blog about this, or go here to cast your vote right away! You only have until 3 July to have your say! Read our bumblebee banknote blog 🐝💷 Finding dead bumblebees 🐝 Two photos showing a Red-tailed bumblebee lying on back and on side by pot We often hear people ask questions when they find dead bumblebees. It can be sad to see a dead bumblebee but, because many of them only live for a few weeks, it’s not unusual to find them throughout the spring, summer, and autumn. There are several reasons why a bumblebee may have died. You can find out more on our Frequently Asked Questions page. You'll also find the answer to other common queries such as: “do bumblebees sting?”, “do bumblebees swarm?”, and “should I help a tired bumblebee?” Our FAQs have the answers! Frequently asked questions❔ The perfect summer doubles match: 🍓+ 🐝 Image of feet and tennis ball with graphic of strawberry design on items including water bottle We're 'serving' up fresh inspiration just in time for Wimbledon with our NEW strawberries and bumblebee inspired design! Hand-picked just for you, let's celebrate the vital role bumblebees play in pollinating strawberries. A winning combination you'll 'love' 💚🥎 Shop collection 🛒 Bumblebee in the spotlight Bumblebee hanging from a pink love heart shaped flower The Garden bumblebee (Bombus hortorum) is one of the Big Eight common and widespread bumblebees. Let's take a closer look. Meet the Garden bumblebee Bumblebee Conservation Trust. Registered Charity No: 1115634 / Scottish Charity No: SC042830. © 2026 Bumblebee Conservation Trust. All rights reserved. You are receiving this newsletter because you are already a member, subscribed via our website, an event or when becoming a volunteer. We hope you enjoy reading it! Registered address: International House, 109-111 Fulham Palace Road, London, W6 8JA; Correspondence address: Bumblebee Conservation Trust, Beta Centre, Stirling University Innovation Park, Stirling FK9 4NF Unsubscribe

PROTECT THE WILD—SILENT KILLING OF UNINTENDED CONSEQUENCES USING POISON

Forwarded this email? Subscribe here for more From hedgehogs to buzzards, Britain's wildlife is being quietly killed by rodenticide poisons Rodenticides aren't just a threat to rats and mice. Countless non-target animals are silently killed every year too. ELIZA EGRET AND TOM ANDERSON JUN 22 READ IN APP This is the second in a series of articles highlighting the need to ban rodenticides in the UK. Last week, we explored how UK councils are failing in their legal obligations to avoid causing unnecessary suffering. You can read the article here. In the coming weeks we will outline how poisons affect the water system too, and we will examine how humane alternatives can be used to control rodent populations. We will be making the case for local councils and private users to radically change their approaches to wildlife control in our communities. Rodenticides cause a slow, agonising death to rats and mice. But how many people know about the other silent victims of the poisons deployed by both local authorities and private users like farmers and gamekeepers? Companion animals, birds of prey, hedgehogs, foxes, badgers, bees and grey squirrels are being harmed or killed in the UK by Second Generation Anticoagulant Rodenticides (SGARs). We break down the available figures below. Countless other non-target animals suffer or die from consuming rodenticide without the ‘pest’ controllers, local authorities or the general public ever noticing. How does rodenticide harm non-target animals? There are two ways that non-target animals are killed by rodenticides: through primary poisoning, where an animal directly eats the bait, or through secondary poisoning, where an animal eats a creature which itself has eaten the bait. The suffering of a target species and the poisoning of non-target predators are not accidental outcomes. They are in the very design of SGARs. After eating a rodenticide bait, the animal may continue to consume more of the poison, unaware of its toxicity. The compounds accumulate in the body’s tissues, steadily preventing the capacity to clot blood, until the animal eventually dies from internal bleeding. This prolonged and agonising death is not an acceptable way to treat any animal, yet councils, pest-controllers, farmers and gamekeepers directly cause this suffering. The risk to predators through secondary poisoning is huge. For days after consuming the first bait, an animal remains alive, becoming more catchable as she becomes lethargic. A predator who then catches her ingests the same poison. Brodifacoum is one of the most potent and persistent SGARs available, and its use is growing as rodents develop resistance to other anticoagulants. Once ingested through secondary poisoning, it can remain in a predator’s body for more than 100 days. Every other poisoned animal consumed by the predator adds to the accumulating dose, meaning that the predator does not need to swallow a single large dose to be killed; the animal simply needs to keep eating. Ineffective attempt at regulation Secondary poisoning has been so prolific that in 2015 the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) forced the pest control industry and the Campaign for Responsible Rodenticide use (CRRU) to create new Code of Best Practice guidelines, as part of the Rodenticide Stewardship Scheme. However, a decade after its creation, the Rodenticide Stewardship Scheme has largely failed to deliver on its promise of meaningfully reducing wildlife exposure to SGAR residues. This failure can be clearly seen in the escalating number of non-target animals poisoned since the scheme’s inception. UK lagging behind in terms of legislation On a European level, rodenticides have been included on the European Union’s (EU) list of regulated biocidal products since the early 2000s. The EU regulations regarding the use of these products became more stringent with the introduction of the Biocidal Products Regulation (EU) No 528/2012 in 2013. The EU does allow the continued use of rodenticides, but only on a conditional basis. Namely, that rodenticides are used as a last resort. This has led both the Netherlands and Switzerland to ban the use of anticoagulant rodenticides for private users and adopt an Integrated Pest Management approach which prioritises preventative solutions and only uses rodenticides as a last resort. In the Netherlands, cholecalciferol-based rodenticides were banned too, and strict controls were placed on ‘pest’ control contractors. In the case of Switzerland, the legislative moves came after the publication of a Swiss study of deaths of non-target wildlife in 2022, which documented the effects on songbirds, foxes, birds of prey, hedgehogs, otters and fish. The report indicated “widespread contamination of the aquatic and terrestrial environment” by rodenticide poisons. Unsurprisingly, considering Brexit, the UK is lagging behind in terms of recognising the scale of the problem and protecting British wildlife. In 2024, in response to the alarming rise in the numbers of non-target wildlife killed, the use of SGARs in open areas such as fields was banned. However, rodenticides, including the highly-toxic brodifacoum, can still be used around buildings. The new regulations are likely to do little to protect non-target species falling victim to rodenticide poisoning. The animals killed Birds of Prey In November 2024, Wild Justice published a report titled Collateral Damage: The Rodenticide Stewardship Scheme – is it working?. The group used Freedom of Information requests to obtain laboratory test results submitted to the Health and Safety Executive’s Wildlife Incident Investigation Scheme (WIIS). The WIIS is a UK government monitoring programme that investigates the deaths of wildlife suspected to have been caused by pesticide poisoning. Wild Justice analysed the test results on the bodies of 366 buzzards and 173 red kites submitted in England between 2005 and 2022. Shockingly most of the buzzards and red kites WIIS analysed had traces of SGARS in their livers. Wild Justice also found that since the introduction of the Rodenticide Stewardship Scheme, the concentration of SGARs found in examined birds has been increasing, not decreasing. Wild Justice pointed out that - together with birds of prey being unintended victims of public ‘pest’ control schemes - SGARs were being used by farmers and gamekeepers to illegally kill them. This strengthens the case for a ban on the use of rodenticides as, if possession was illegal, it would be much more difficult to use them to illegally kill protected birds. Foxes A 2025 report published by the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, titled SGARs in Mammals and Predatory Birds, also analysed data from the WIIS. The report shows that the red fox is one of the most heavily contaminated mammals of all the species studied, with a mean liver SGAR concentration of 993 ng/g. This is far higher than any of the predatory birds and roughly five times higher than the badger. Of the 127 foxes tested between 2006 and 2021, contamination levels increased significantly over the monitoring period. The proportion of foxes with detectable SGAR residues rose sharply from 75% before 2015 to 93% after the regulatory change, meaning that since 2016, 93% of the foxes tested have been found to carry rodenticide in their livers. Notably, this includes a significant rise in bromadiolone and brodifacoum. These findings show that neither the regulatory framework nor the CRRU’s industry-led stewardship regime has succeeded in protecting foxes from increasing contamination. Foxes are scavengers, and the urban habitats they live in are likely to provide greater opportunity to encounter SGAR-contaminated rodents or their carcasses, potentially combined with a higher prevalence of rodenticide-resistant rats that require repeated or stronger treatment. Hedgehogs Despite being a beloved and increasingly threatened species, the hedgehog fares poorly in the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology report’s analysis, although the data is limited. Of the 11 hedgehogs tested by WIIS between 2007 and 2021, 55% were found to carry detectable SGAR residues in their livers, with a mean concentration of 12.5 ng/g. The sample size is extremely small and the findings should be treated with caution. Nevertheless, the fact that over half of the hedgehogs tested showed detectable contamination is concerning, particularly given that hedgehogs are already under severe pressure from habitat loss, road deaths and declining invertebrate populations. It is also telling that the WIIS data for hedgehogs is so sparse, and likely reflects how rarely poisoned hedgehogs are found and submitted for testing rather than any genuine rarity of exposure. Badgers Of the 55 badgers tested by WIIS in England and Wales between 2006 and 2021, just over half (56%) showed detectable SGAR residues before 2015, rising to 71% after the regulation change. More striking is the picture for brodifacoum specifically: detectable residues were found in just 18% of badgers before 2015, rising sharply to 62% afterwards, a statistically significant increase. Mean liver SGAR concentration across the whole period was 186 ng/g, though some individuals showed extremely high concentrations, with a maximum of 2,843 ng/g recorded. The significant upward trend in brodifacoum residues is consistent with the pattern seen across most other species in the report, pointing again to brodifacoum as the compound of greatest and growing concern. Grey squirrels The grey squirrel data in the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology report is striking but must be treated with considerable caution given the very small sample size. Of the 16 grey squirrel cadavers tested by the WIIS in England and Wales between 2006 and 2021, 56% showed SGAR residues below the limit of quantification, suggesting low or no detectable exposure. However, four individuals (25% of the sample) showed extremely high liver SGAR concentrations ranging between 811 and 6,500 ng/g, pulling the mean up to 1,175 ng/g - the highest mean of any species in the study. What the grey squirrel figures illustrate most clearly is not a reliable picture of population-level exposure, but the potential for catastrophic individual-level poisoning when a squirrel does encounter rodenticide-contaminated food. Companion animals Annual reports from the Veterinary Poisons Information Service (VPIS) provide a detailed picture of animal poisoning cases in the UK, and show how companion animals are affected by SGARs. The 2025 report draws on data from 32,000 cases during the year. Anticoagulant rodenticides were the third most common agent across all species in 2025, accounting for 2.9% of all agents recorded, behind only chocolate and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). This ranking is described by the report as unchanged from previous years, indicating that SGAR poisoning is a persistent and recurring concern in UK veterinary practice. In dogs specifically, anticoagulant rodenticides were again the third most common enquiry, making up 5.9% of all dog-related agent enquiries. The most frequently recorded individual compounds in dogs were brodifacoum (559 cases), difenacoum (424 cases) and bromadiolone (278 cases). Data from the WIIS, analysed by Protect the Wild, also documents several reported cases of poisoning of dogs with rodenticides. These incidents are directly linked to local authority and contractors laying poisons. SGARs also appeared in enquiries relating to rabbits (4.7% of rabbit cases), birds (17.9% of bird cases) horses and donkeys (19.4% of equine cases), indicating that exposure is not limited to domestic pets but extends across a wide range of animals. Next week, Protect the Wild will take a look at the effect of SGARs on our seas and rivers as well as on fish, otters and seabirds. Our demand: An immediate end to rodenticide use Protect the Wild is demanding a complete and immediate ban on the use of rodenticide baits. Rodenticides are killing non-target wildlife: Poison bait placed outside does not and cannot discriminate between target and non-target species. Killing protected wildlife is a crime. Rodenticides are causing unnecessary suffering: The slow, agonising death inflicted by SGARs – which cause internal bleeding over many days – may itself constitute an offence under the Animal Welfare Act 2006, which prohibits the causing of unnecessary suffering to animals. We are already obliged to do better: Existing legislation, as well as the pest control industry’s guidelines, require that preventative methods such as rodent proofing and prevention measures are exhausted before any rodenticide is used. The routine use of poison bait as a first resort is likely unlawful. Humane solutions are not complicated and there are companies out there who follow an ethical approach to managing wildlife in public areas. Check out Humane Wildlife Solutions, for example. As animal rights advocates, we urgently need to step up efforts to stop the silent killing of our wildlife by SGARs and other poisons. We need to make our case loudly and set out the alternatives clearly. The routine use of lethal poisons causes immeasurable suffering and it needs to stop. SHARE LIKE COMMENT RESTACK © 2026 Protect the Wild Protect the Wild, 71-75 Shelton Street Covent Garden, London, W2CH 9JQ Unsubscribe Start writing

PROTECT THE WILD - THEIR FOURTH MONTHLY UPDATE OF ‘EYE ON THE WILD’

Forwarded this email? Subscribe here for more Eye on the Wild - Your weekly roundup of British wildlife news Eye on the Wild #4 ELIZA EGRET JUN 21 READ IN APP Welcome to the fourth edition of Eye on the Wild, our new weekly roundup designed to keep you up to date with the latest stories concerning British wildlife. Each week, we’ll share important news, updates and stories from across the UK, including issues, species, and campaigns that may not always make the headlines. We’ll also highlight ways you can help and take action for wildlife. If you have a story you think we should cover, email us at contact@protectthewild.org.uk Natural history will soon be a GCSE subject! The government has announced news that natural history is one step closer to being taught in classrooms. One of the core aims of the GCSE is for students to acquire deep knowledge of the species and habitats that make up the natural world in the UK. The GCSE will include at least 20 hours of fieldwork, and pupils will develop hands-on research skills through documenting field evidence, using classification systems and analysing data. Pupils will learn the effect of destructive human activities on wildlife and habitats, and learn how to protect them. The government frames the new GCSE around advantages for the British workforce, stating that the GCSE will “grow next generation of green careers”. But at Protect the Wild, we believe the real value is simpler: children who grow up knowing nature, and therefore wanting to be proper custodians of it. If you’re a teacher, parent or pupil, the government wants your say on what’s in the curriculum. The consultation runs until 4 September. Make your voice heard and help shape a generation of young conservationists. Fill in the consultation Hazel dormice have been released into woodland More than 40 hazel dormice have been released into ancient woodland in Leicestershire. This was the second release of the dormice onto the Bradgate Park Trust estate, as part of a national reintroduction programme by the People's Trust for Endangered Species. UK populations have decreased by 70% since 2000. They are now locally extinct in 20 English counties. Loss of woodland and hedgerows, changes to traditional land management, and the effects of climate change, are all contributing to the hazel dormouse's decline. Dormice sleep through most of the day and come alive at night, climbing trees in search of hazelnuts, berries and insects. They spend five months of the year hibernating, and they even snore! Each release is a small but vital step in reversing the hazel dormouse's decline before it's too late. Dog guardians are responsible for the decline of Little Tern numbers at a key breeding colony People with dogs must act more responsibly as Little Tern numbers have fallen steeply at a key UK seabird colony. Populations have decreased by 50% at Seaton Carew near Hartlepool. Just 55 nesting pairs have been recorded, half the number volunteers had hoped for. In May, Tees Valley Wildlife Trust volunteer wardens recorded 427 cases where dogs were inside the exclusion zone. In June, there were 93 cases on one day alone. Even brief disturbances can cause adult birds to abandon their nests, leaving eggs and chicks vulnerable. Little Terns migrate thousands of miles from West Africa each spring to nest on UK beaches. Their numbers have fallen 39% since the 1980s due to habitat loss, disturbance and predation. Hartlepool Borough Council stated that dog guardians should: respect the dog exclusion zone, keep dogs on leads near the nesting area, respect the fencing and warning signage, give wildlife plenty of space. Of course, this advice applies at all beaches that are used as nesting sites in the UK. A top private school hunt has been caught illegally killing a hare with children present On 4 June, Stowe School huntsman Philip Kennedy pleaded guilty to hunting a wild mammal with dogs. A member of the public's drone footage caught the hunt in the act on 13 November 2025. Kennedy shook hands with hunt members while his hounds mauled the hare. He was fined a pitiful £258 and ordered to pay £585 court costs and a £103 victim surcharge. The hare’s life was practically worthless in the eyes of the law. Stowe School in Buckinghamshire is one of Britain's most exclusive boarding schools. In his role as huntsman, Kennedy was listed as part of the Games department on the Stowe School website. Just after he was convicted, the school removed the listing. Schools like Stowe, Eton College and Radley College are grooming the next generation of hunters and indoctrinating children into a world of violence. Kennedy's conviction follows a familiar pattern. It’s a token punishment that changes nothing for him or the hunt. The Hunt Saboteurs Association has released footage of the gruesome reality of stag hunting On 11 June, the HSA released footage of the Devon & Somerset Stag Hounds terrorising a hind, with hunt master Steve Coates in shot. You can view the video here. The HSA stated: “Her back leg is visibly broken or dislocated and is hanging uselessly as she cowers in deep water, desperately trying to hide against the bank. Two hounds are deliberately allowed to torment her at close range while she stands spent, trembling, and in total physical collapse – the so-called “at bay” moment so beloved of the stag hunters.” Stag hunting is possibly the UK’s most gruesome blood sport. Hunters use a variety of transport methods to murder deer, including quad bikes, motorbikes and on horseback. It is near-impossible for a stag to escape. When he is exhausted from an hours-long chase, he collapses. He is then shot by a gun-carrier, his throat is slit, and his body is divided up as different trophy parts. The HSA video is yet more proof that whoever is Prime Minister - Starmer or Burnham - they need to immediately act to protect wildlife from lunatics like those in the Devon and Somerset Stag Hounds. Dorset and Somerset Bassets huntsman has been convicted of illegal hunting On 18 June, huntsman Charlie Ford was convicted of hunting a hare. Ford was in charge of the pack and made no attempt to stop or recall the dogs from the hare. The incident took place in Bagber, Dorset, on 13 October 2024. This hunt, which routinely breaks the law as it terrorises hares, is owned by famous racehorse trainer Colin Tizzard. Ford was fined a measly £648, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £259, as well as court costs of £650. Meanwhile, three members of the notorious Beaufort Hunt have been charged under the Hunting Act this week, after killing a fox on 20 December 2025. Charges and convictions damage hunt reputations. But reputational damage isn’t enough. Labour has the power to ban hunting for good, if it has the political will to do so. SHARE LIKE COMMENT RESTACK © 2026 Protect the Wild Protect the Wild, 71-75 Shelton Street Covent Garden, London, W2CH 9JQ Unsubscribe Start writing

PROTECT THE WILD STEALS THE NEWS IN MAKERFIELD ALONGSIDE ANDY BURNHAM

Forwarded this email? Subscribe here for more Millions saw our message: PROTECT BRITISH WILDLIFE JUN 19 READ IN APP In the early hours of this morning, I found myself standing on a stage beside Andy Burnham, one of the most influential politicians in Britain and a man many believe could one day become Prime Minister. Millions of people watching national television coverage saw one clear message: Protect British Wildlife. There was no escaping it. I stood as a candidate in the Makerfield by-election for one reason: to force British wildlife into a political conversation that too often ignores it. While the broadcasters l cut away from my impromptu speech (watch below), they could not avoid the message itself. Standing directly beside the winning candidate, with cameras broadcasting across the country, I was able to put the plight of British wildlife front and centre. And that matters. Because despite promises of change, wildlife continue to be pushed to the bottom of the political agenda. A Government Failing Wildlife The current Government came into office promising a better future for animals. Yet since taking power, we have seen a series of deeply disappointing reversals. Plans to ban trophy hunting imports have been abandoned. Promised action on foie gras imports has disappeared. Badger culling continued for two years and despite now having ended there, the Govt has still not ruled out the possibility of it coming back. Meanwhile, wildlife protections continue to be weakened in favour of development, and species across Britain remain in decline. Now the Government has just finished consulting on the future of hunting. That is welcome. But consultation alone is not enough. There is still no clear commitment to removing all of the loopholes and exemptions in the 2004 Hunting Act that allow hunts to continue operating. There is still no timetable for legislation. And there remains genuine concern that reforms could fall short of what animals desperately need. Taking the Message Directly to Andy Burnham Before the count, I had the opportunity to speak directly with Andy Burnham. I told him plainly that his party has failed British wildlife. I explained that since coming into power, the Government has U-turned on key animal protection promises while making life easier for developers and harder for wildlife. I urged him that if he is serious about becoming Prime Minister in the future, he must show leadership on issues that matter to millions of people who care about animals. That means finally ending fox hunting for good. It means committing to a complete end to the badger cull. And it means recognising that British wildlife cannot continue to be treated as an afterthought. Interestingly, when I asked for a photograph with Andy before the results were declared while holding a sign reading “Protect British Wildlife”, his team declined the request. Perhaps not the most encouraging start for a politician with national ambitions. To his credit, Andy listened to what I had to say. And he pointed out that he had voted to ban fox hunting during his time as an MP, and said he heard my concerns and appreciated me raising them. Fortunately, once the results were announced, there was no avoiding the message. Standing directly beside Andy on the stage, with cameras and photographers capturing the moment from every angle, the words “Protect British Wildlife” were broadcast and photographed nationwide. We won’t stop fighting. Thank you for your incredible support as always, onwards and upwards! Donate to Protect the Wild SHARE LIKE COMMENT RESTACK © 2026 Protect the Wild Protect the Wild, 71-75 Shelton Street Covent Garden, London, W2CH 9JQ Unsubscribe Start writing

FRIENDS OF THE EARTH - SUPPORT THEM

View in browser Dear John, Since my email last week, over 30,000 of you have signed our petition calling on the UK government to stop its needless attacks on nature. Now, with Andy Burnham’s election win in Makerfield, the potential Labour leadership race is heating up — so this is our moment to demand a change of direction and an end to the bat-bashing. Let’s push for a future where wildlife thrives and ecosystems recover. Future generations are counting on us. I'LL SIGN THE PETITION I’ve pasted my original email below for more info. Best wishes, Sienna Dear John, UK food production could one day collapse because of biodiversity loss, according to the Joint Intelligence Committee [1]. Put simply, without thriving wildlife and ecosystems, worldwide and at home, the UK won’t be able to feed itself. And yet the UK government continues to blame the environmental protections we all rely on for the country’s economic woes. But with a Labour leadership battle on the horizon, now is the time to demand an end to the government’s needless attacks on nature. I'LL SIGN THE PETITION From the loss of pollinators like bees and butterflies, to the dangers of depleted soils, drought and floods, the Joint Intelligence Committee pinpointed biodiversity loss as one of the biggest threats to domestic food production. It should be obvious – strong ecosystems and biodiversity make the UK more resilient. So why does the government pretend nature is a threat to development [2]? It’s the exact opposite. Research shows that protecting nature is even a vote winner. So with turmoil at the top of government, now’s the time to tell politicians to change course. And turn things around for the sake of future generations. I'LL SIGN THE PETITION Thriving nature means a thriving UK. Let’s make it happen. Sienna, Campaigner, Friends of the Earth NOTES: [1] Nature security assessment on global biodiversity loss, ecosystem collapse and national security, Gov.uk. [2] Government rolls back nature protections to boost housing, BBC News. About us Supporter promise Privacy policy Contact us DONATE This email was sent to spanishjohnedwards@gmail.com Want to change how you receive these emails? Unsubscribe from this list We send communications to our supporters who have opted in to receive emails from us. Friends of the Earth Limited. Reg. No. 01012357. Incorporated in England and Wales. Registered office: Friends of the Earth The Printworks 139 Clapham Road London, SW9 0HP United Kingdom Copyright © Friends of the Earth Limited

PROTECT THE WILD - LABOUR MP DEFENDS THE GUGA HUNT BUT GETS HIS FACTS WRONG - FUNNY BUT SAD

Forwarded this email? Subscribe here for more Labour MP Loses his Temper at Guga Hunt Protestors He accused us of “attention-seeking” “virtue-signalling” behaviour and of having a “saviour-complex” DEVON DOCHERTY JUN 18 READ IN APP We appear to have pissed off a Labour MP. Allow us to explain why we're not sorry. Torcuil Crichton, Labour MP for Na h-Eileanan an Iar (the Western Isles in Scotland), accused us and other anti-Guga hunt campaigners of “attention-seeking” “virtue-signalling” behaviour and of having a “saviour-complex” for trying to stop the annual killing of Gannet chicks by hunters in his constituency. END THE GUGA HUNT It seems Mr Crichton simply could not accept that there are people in the world who have a problem with 10 men sailing to a protected native seabird colony, bashing Gannet chicks to death in front of their parents, and selling the carcasses for a profit. Torcuil released a new public statement, where he said the campaign to end the Guga hunt was “fuelled by a lack of real purpose in life”. He even went on to insult our infamous Gannet suit: ”The ‘Goo-ga’ campaign does fall into the virtue-signalling camp of activism and to prove their commitment someone undertook a sweat-drenched election campaign in a penguin suit (he didn’t look anything like a gannet) and was willing to put others at risk by climbing onto the roof of a public building.” We suggest Mr Crichton might want to take a trip to Specsavers if he thought our tailor-made Gannet costume was a penguin. Unfortunately, a man so busy looking down his nose at wildlife campaigners appears to have lost sight of the people he was elected to represent - many of whom oppose the Guga hunt, but are afraid to speak out because of exactly the kind of dismissive, belittling rhetoric his statement exemplifies. We have personally been in touch with people from the Islands who vehemently disagree with the hunt, but fear ostracisation from the community if they speak out. And when their elected MP is publicly mocking and ridiculing those who oppose the hunt, is it any wonder? Mr Crichton’s statement also suggests he may have confused our founder, Rob, standing as a giant Gannet in the Scottish Parliament election with the activist who climbed onto the roof of NatureScot’s offices in a direct action protest. The latter was an action carried out by a completely separate campaign group, Abolish the Guga Hunt. For someone so keen to lecture others on the issue, Torcuil seems surprisingly unfamiliar with even the most basic facts. Then again, this is the same man who mistook a Gannet for a penguin. He went on to defend the hunt by saying: “The guga harvest is an essential part of the history, culture and identity of Ness. It is conducted with due reverence to sustainability and importantly to what it means to the continuation of the living tradition of the islands.” Tradition, culture, identity…these are the exact same arguments Labour rightly rejected when they banned fox hunting. And now they claim Labour is “the only party that can be trusted on animal welfare”. I don’t think that claim can accommodate a practice that even the SSPCA opposes on welfare grounds. So Mr Crichton would be wise to look at the history and stated values of his own party. He is right about one thing though - the Guga hunt is part of the history of Ness. But that is exactly where it should stay, because the mass slaughter of native wildlife clearly has no place in Scotland’s future. No amount of huffing, puffing or parliamentary pearl-clutching will change that. If Torcuil's tirade tells us anything, it's that this campaign is getting noticed. And if that worries him, wait until he sees how many more people sign the petition after we send this email. Button below. DO US PROUD! SHARE LIKE COMMENT RESTACK © 2026 Protect the Wild Protect the Wild, 71-75 Shelton Street Covent Garden, London, W2CH 9JQ Unsubscribe Start writing