AN MP has called for a better understanding of countryside issues following the furore over a recent ban on shooting pest birds.

Thirsk MP Kevin Hollinrake has spoken out in the wake of a legal challenge by lobbyists which resulted in restrictions on the control of certain bird species, such as crows and rooks.

Some birds can cause serious harm to livestock, including newborn lambs, and the chicks of ground nesting birds such as curlews and lapwings.

Following a visit to Bransdale and Pennyholme Estate on the North York Moors, Mr Hollinrake said “The gamekeepers and estate owners do a fantastic job, balancing the economic contribution of a large sporting estate with a passionate commitment to wildlife and biodiversity.

“The Pennyholme Estate attracts visitors from around the country and around the world for grouse shooting but also walkers and conservationists.

“On my visit we counted over 20 different bird species including curlew, golden plovers and snipe.

“The estate supports hundreds of local jobs directly and many more in the local hospitality industry, small retail business and local pubs, many of whom would not survive without the shoots.

“They also ensure that the stunning habitat is preserved for a range of bird species.”

Mr Hollinrake said he understood the estate’s concerns after Natural England revoked three of its general licences to control 16 species of wild bird because they did not comply with the Wildlife and Countryside Act.

The licences were revoked after a court challenge by Wild Justice, a campaign group which is co-directed by broadcaster Chris Packham.

The group said that there is no scientific justification for general licences to be issued to kill jackdaws, rooks, jays or magpies for the purpose of conserving wild birds and that the science does not show that these species have an important impact on native bird populations.

Within a week of the licence being revoked, Natural England issued new temporary general licences to control carrion crows, Canada geese and woodpigeons.

However, Bransdale moorland gamekeeper Charles Woof said “Unfortunately the grouse moor I work on is entirely in a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) so with the terms on the new licences we are still unable to do any carrion crow or other corvid control which is nothing short of a disaster at this time of year.”

Mr Hollinrake is now working closely with the Secretary of State, Michael Gove over the issuing of new long-term licences.