"An explicit aim of the garden and surrounding area is to increase and expand the biodiversity of our city for many animals – including deer – to thrive..." Salford City Mayor
Last weekend Salford social media sites and the community at large were furious after authorities at the new RHS Bridgewater site in Worsley admitted shooting nine Roe Deer (see previous Salford Star article – click here).
Today, after discussions with the RHS, Salford City Mayor, Paul Dennett, and Salford Wildlife Champion Lewis Nelson issued the following statement...
"Following discussions with the RHS following the decision to cull nine deer which was announced on Friday, I can confirm that the RHS recognises mistakes have been made in the decision-making and communications around that decision.
"A primary concern of the Council in our discussions were plans pertaining to any remaining deer in the vicinity. I can confirm that there are no active plans from the RHS to cull any more of the Roe deer population in Salford, and the RHS have agreed to begin a new community engagement process regarding any future decisions implicating the resident Roe deer population.
"In future, should there be questions as to future of the herd, those discussions will be discussed transparently at the local Community Committee in advance of any actions being taken – working with residents and councillors. Whilst the Council recognises that herd management may sometimes be necessary, we do not believe the decisions taken recently reflect an adequate or transparent process and in future safeguards will be in place to prevent decisions being taken in this manner again.
"RHS Bridgewater representatives have expressed contrition and regret in relation to recent events, and have emphasised that an explicit aim of the garden and surrounding area is to increase and expand the biodiversity of our city for many animals – including deer – to thrive.
"I do believe that this is a sincere position from the garden, and I hope that over coming months RHS will be able to regain the trust of local residents, living up to its role as protector of our local wildlife."
Signed,
Paul Dennett (Salford City Mayor)
Cllr. Lewis Nelson (Salford Wildlife Champion)
Graphic by Jamie Reid for the Sex Pistols
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