Pheasant's Revolt

Somewhat contentious news in the report that the RSPB apparently approves of pheasant shoots (http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2015/mar/29/rspb-backs-pheasant-shoots). At first sight, this seems to clash with their normal position on birds, which is to protect them at all (most?) costs. Pheasants are, however, essentially an alien (so far as the UK is concerned) species that are bred for the shooters. The income generated by the activity actually means that the land does not get used for a) house building or b) agriculture, two activities that make life difficult for some indigenous birds. So, I suppose, their point is that it does result in more land staying 'bird friendly' (except for the pheasants).