HC Deb 21 January 2002 vol 378 cc605-6W
Ms Atherton

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what plans she has to increase the number of British birds of prey. [26061]

Mr. Meacher

All wild bird populations (including birds of prey) are included in the wild bird population indicator, which is one of the 15 headline indicators of sustainable development. These indicators are a "quality of life barometer" measuring everyday concerns like health, jobs and air quality.

Populations of birds of prey have increased as a result of better protection from persecution and restrictions on the use of persistent pesticides.

There are three projects aimed at increasing the population of a bird of prey species:

  1. 1. The Red Kite Reintroduction Programme
  2. 2. The Hen Harrier Recovery Project
  3. 3. The 'Wash Harriers' Recovery Project.

Although these projects are focused primarily on individual species, their overall objectives are far wider. The work involves tackling problems that affect a range of different birds of prey, and in so doing, contributing to recovery in their populations or at least to maintaining populations.

English Nature are also involved with the Osprey reintroduction project that has been undertaken at Rutland Water in central England.