Welsh Government silent on protected sites

Conservation groups have urged the Welsh Government to complete a network of protected areas for birds.

In October 2016 a scientific working group, which included the Welsh Government and Natural Resources Wales, published a report which showed there are insufficient Special Protection Areas for 87 species across the UK, including nesting Eurasian Curlew, European Nightjar, Hen Harrier and Chough.

At sea the network is even further behind, with areas to be designated for 49 species including Puffin and Velvet Scoter. Frustration has thus mounted among conservationists over the prolonged government silence on these key Welsh bird sites.

Velvet Scoter is one of the species awaiting new Special Protection Areas to be confirmed in Wales (Marc FASOL).

RSPB Cymru has asked the Welsh Government for a progress report on action to address the gaps, demanding a timetable for implementation, and pointing out that recommendations made in 2001 have still to be enacted.

The Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust also urged the administration to "get on with protecting the very best places for rare, threatened and migratory birds".

However, the third anniversary of the report's publication passed without any response from the Government.