I’ve been at plenty of meetings where the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) has come under fire from farmers over the impact of designations on farm operations.

However, an initiative launched last week by the NPWS is definitely something they can bond with farmers over – the Midlands Mink Eradication Programme.

This pilot programme seeks to eradicate American mink in an area around the midlands across a period of three and a half years.

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The area in question is specifically that of the Breeding Waders European Innovation Partnership (EIP) and the cull is being undertaken to protect these ground nesting breeding wader birds. The EIP is partnering with the National Association of Regional Game Councils (NARGC) on this.

One to watch.