We examine the claim that the most significant factor in the near extinction of the Californian…
Category: Fact Checks
Our Fact Checks examine relevant claims from the media, reports or manifestos; look into the evidence; and support, explain or correct them. Our aim is to assess the science behind these various claims to understand how well supported they are.
Predator and mountain hare culling on grouse moors
Comes from A Wild Justice Petition, which can be found here: Ban driven grouse shooting; wilful blindness…
How many wildfires were the result of managed burns escaping control?
Comes from During the recent Westminster moorland burning debate, in relation to tackling climate change and carbon release,…
How many gamebirds are released in the UK per year?
What is the latest estimate and how accurate is it?
Is 75% of the world’s heather moorland in the UK?
This figure is widely quoted by many interested parties, holding different views about the management of…
Has there been a huge decline in the number of insects?
Car ‘splatometer’ tests reveal huge decline in number of insects. Research shows abundance at sites in…
Are released pheasants driving adders to extinction?
Pieces in both The Guardian and The Telegraph report on adder declines and the possible link…
Distribution of black grouse across the UK
This statement was made on Countryfile on 22nd March 2020, where the episode featured the conservation…
How many grey partridges are left?
This statement came from Short Cuts on Radio 4. The presenters claimed that “today there are…
Estimating the number and biomass of pheasants in Britain
The RSPB's Pat Thompson claimed on the BBC Radio 4's More or Less that at the…