Egyptian Geese are already well established in the UK (Andrew Massyn/commons.wikimedia.org) 

One of the most controversial species 'controlling' programs of our time, the limiting of the UK's Ruddy Duck population, will be on the agenda of the forthcoming BOU conference on the presence of non-native species in Britain.

The conference, to be held at the Great Northern Hotel, Peterborough on 19th November 2008, will examine the impacts of non-native birds and other non-native species on avifauna in both the UK and its overseas territories. Supported by the BTO, Defra, the JNCC and Natural England, the conference will present a series of case studies covering firmly established non-natives as well as those which are new or less well understood.

As well as the Ruddy Duck, discussions will focus on the Eagle Owl - itself the subject of considerable media attention in recent years - parakeets, geese and other waterbirds and the assessment of these species for admission to the British List.

There is also mounting concern over the impact of non-native species in the overseas territories, to which recently proposed government strategy for monitoring and controlling these species does not effectively extend. The RSPB voiced its concerns on this subject back in May (see RSPB calls for extension to government non-native species strategy) and a topical paper, as well as another on related RSPB policy, will be presented by the Society at the conference.

Other subjects to be covered on 19th November will include the impacts of non-native deer generally and non-native mammals in seabird colonies, legislation and control, UK Government policy on non-natives and their present monitoring and future requirements, including RBBP and national monitoring schemes such as WeBS.

The conference aims and objectives will be to highlight research and monitoring needs. A key focus will also be the need to 'link policy and management to sound science.' The conference is aimed at both non-government research and conservation organisations and the statutory government agencies responsible for policy and management regarding non-natives.