tequilaskylark if genuine or not, just walk the hedgerows. Saw a corner bush just 9 days ago, teaming with small birds.... then for miles nary many at all. The comment was exactly as MOST have heard of the older generation. That is how it was and should be. Hedges teaming with wonderful singing colours, namely birds. Us over 50's remember them days well. Yes the Squirrels were about. Magpies kept to a manageable quota, likewise B.O.P. and Sparrow Hawks. o yes EVERYONE that was interested in seeing birds, of whatever sort COULD! my grandchildren are already missing out on so very many lovely species. Their children will only see B.O.P. killing and eating other B.O.P. For the simple reality is there won't be anything else to eat. Simple realism and fact is that, and no need for study, or investigations, for they ain’t there no more in any way as they was, and oh so very few left that once was teaming. This was when ‘Bird egg collecting’ was ventured into by nigh every child…. All to no real harm as the numbers took that in the ‘Stride’!. But like all 'Powers to Be' so trumped up with self egoist and false pride, they won't see further than their nose to make money, and poster false reasons to tickle the ears, and spout the simple ole fool proof ‘We are doing this so Our children, and their’ children’s children will be able to put this right and see the beauty of the hedgerows' …whilst smiling all the way to the bank! I mean just how does one equate that there are millions of birds missing every year, when more and better 'Habitat' are around and cared for etc? This is 'All me Eye' to fool many, but rather more in real terms the RSPB'S PROGRAM TO BREED MORE food the the B.O.P. and S. Hawks to keep them alive! For hey know better than most that the carnage can't continue with out replacing the food chain. That is why they are, and will import from abroad to sustain their efforts, know deviously that they will be dead and gone, wealthy and passing on yet another head ache of a problem, not being abled to be rememdied.