A controversial cull aimed at wiping out ruddy ducks has begun at two Essex reservoirs.
Government marksmen have moved into Abberton Reservoir, Colchester, and Hanningfield Reservoir, Chelmsford, in a bid to bring the UK population down to below 200.
The cull, which will last until the end of February, is being bitterly opposed by Essex Wildlife Trust, which believes it is a waste of the £5.3 million the cull would cost.
The Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has said the duck is challenging the survival of the globally-threatened white-headed duck through interbreeding.
Essex Wildlife Trust director John Hall said the trust had decided not to allow access to its land, and called for more scientific research into the ruddy duck problem.
He added: "We think this is inappropriate because the science is not properly sorted out and the cost is very high."
Published Tuesday January 20, 2004
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