Tell John Healy MP Over 600,000 birds are killed on migration

Dear Mr Healey,

I am writing to urge you to commit to stronger and sustained action to tackle the ongoing illegal killing of migratory birds on the British Sovereign Base Areas (SBAs) in Cyprus. As you will be aware, these areas fall under British jurisdiction and therefore reflect the UK’s environmental commitments and global reputation.

Every year, hundreds of thousands of birds – including protected and endangered species – are trapped and killed illegally on the SBAs, often using indiscriminate lime sticks and mist nets. Many of these birds are on migratory routes protected under international agreements, including the Bern Convention and the EU Birds Directive (which the UK has committed to uphold post-Brexit).

Despite notable enforcement progress in recent years, there is credible concern that this is slowing or even reversing this autumn. CABS and Birdlife Cyprus, the main conservation organisations operating in the country, have documented a worrying resurgence in illegal trapping levels.

I respectfully ask you to:
* Reaffirm the UK’s commitment to ending illegal bird trapping on the SBAs.
* Ensure that enforcement teams are sustained and increased where necessary.
* Continue support for transparency and reporting on anti-poaching activities.
* Maintain cooperation between the SBA Administration, local authorities, and conservation groups.

We have a moral and legal obligation to protect these species and uphold the UK’s environmental commitments.

Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter. I would be grateful to know the actions you plan to take on this issue.

Yours sincerely,

[YOUR NAME]

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The problem

Every year hundreds of thousands of familiar songbirds – blackcaps, robins and warblers – are illegally trapped and slaughtered in Cyprus using glue-coated limesticks, mist-nets and electronic callers to supply a secret market for “ambelopoulia.” Weak, inconsistent enforcement (including inside the British Sovereign Base Areas), lowered fines and dwindling anti-poaching resources mean the trade continues at industrial scale: CABS recorded 1,141 limesticks in 2024 and evidence points to losses in the hundreds of thousands of birds.

Chris and Megs return in 2025, 7 years after their last visit to uncover the evolving wildlife crime and the methods hunters are using to evade the law.

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In Cyprus, CABS focus on tackling some of the worst bird trapping in Europe. Every migration season, their teams patrol the countryside to find and remove limesticks, mist nets, and other illegal traps used to catch songbirds. They gather evidence, report crimes to the authorities, and push for tougher action against offenders. By being present in the field, they not only save countless birds but also shine a spotlight on the scale of the problem, keeping pressure on the government to enforce the law. They’re funded by your donations– so please give anything you can.

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At the end of 2020, the fine for trapping blackcaps and other songbirds with limesticks was lowered from 2000 to 200 euros. Lower fines mean hunters have less incentive to stop killing. The slaughter must stop. #OperationDeadAir

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operationdeadair.org

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An estimated 643,000 wild birds were illegally killed in Cyprus in 2024. Birds are trapped or shot, with many dying as a result of illegal netting and limesticks. Stop the slaughter – email John Healey MP now. #OperationDeadAir

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operationdeadair.org

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In 2024, @CABS_REPORTS uncovered 1,141 limesticks in Cyprus – these are branches smeared with glue and hidden in trees. Birds land, get trapped & either die struggling in the heat or are killed when trappers return. Donate to fund CABS vital rescue work opdeadair.org/donate

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opdeadair.org/donate

Tell John Healy MP Over 600,000 birds are killed on migration

The problem

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