Ian Botham's rap for RSPB

I  would add Blacktoft Sands to Pete’s list.However, I would remove Bempton which used to be a wild place until the RSPB commercialised it and installed loads of sentimental signage, depicting marine birds as if they were characters in a Disney cartoon (it’s the same at Titchwell).Meanwhile, the RSPB could show a lot more imagination at its Tetney Marsh refuge which it now no longer publicises. It seems to have all but given up on making it more of a magnet for birds.Regarding Joy’s point, I am sure the Telegraph would have published a response to Lord Botham’s comment, but probably none was forthcoming. So the cricketer had both the first snd the last worrd.If it had been a more alert and dynamic, the RSPB ‘s chief exec/management team would have made the most of a clear opportunity to fly the flag for itself and for birds.By their meekness, the bosses at Sandy all-too-frequently let down both their staff in the field and the membership.The zeal and courage of its founders have, alas, long gone.   

It is quite an extraordinary article and I’m surprised that The Daily Telegraph hasn’t published any letters or comments  thus far, which counteract Botham’s assertions. At least he managed to make it to  paragraph four (of the full article) before attacking Chris Packham!

Fully agree Pete .

regards John

Non of what he says makes much sense. You only have to walk round Frampton or Bempton to see what a great job the RSPB are doing. Also you only have to walk round a shooting estate to find yourself ankle deep in pheasants, which can’t be good for diversity.

Here's Lord  Botham having a pop at the RSPB in his column in today's edition of The Daily Telegraph.

What does he mean by "failings"?

It will be interesting to see if and how the  RSPB responds.