The reason being the raptors are a threat to someone rearing game birds considered to be ‘livestock’ that will, when mature, be slaughtered in their tens of thousands by rich, shotgun-toting toffs. It makes no sense whatsoever to me and to even consider birds reared in their thousands as part of the ‘natural environment’ is, to say the least, a bit of a stretch. Add to this the fact the RSPB clearly state that these magnificent birds of prey principally dine on rodents, but also take small birds, reptiles, amphibians, larger insects and earthworms and that anything heavier is usually carrion or seriously enfeebled individuals – injured pheasants perhaps? It looks like the thin edge of a very thick wedge and yet another nod of approval to a hunting and shooting fraternity comprised largely of people who kill for pleasure and not to put meat on the table. - SADLY I have seen very few swifts in the past two summers whereas by now there would have been several broods wheeling and screaming their way through the Littlehampton sky, this year not a single brood. Maybe this is due to disturbed nesting sites as there has been maintenance work on houses along Irvine and Selbourne roads and modern replacement eaves are not swift or swallow friendly and offer a poor surface for their mud nests. If readers know differently please let me know. - DELIGHTED that Mewsbrook Park has again been awarded a green flag. I know the hard work both the council and volunteers put in to the running of that super facility and how much it is cared for by those that work on-site and those who give of their free time. --- Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live. Here are four ways you can be sure you’ll be amongst the first to know what’s going on. 1) Make our website your homepage at www.littlehamptongazette.co.uk/ 2) Like our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/LittlehamptonGazette 3) Follow us on Twitter @LhamptonGazette 4) Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here. And do share with your family and friends - so they don’t miss out! The Littlehampton Gazette - always the first with your local news. Be part of it.