The Government has agreed to drop proposals to permit the destruction of buzzard nests and the capture of adult buzzards around shooting estates.
Wildlife Minister Richard Benyon announced the climbdown in reaction to public anger and a short but intense period of campaigning.
The RSPB welcomed the move and described how the public reaction was a reflection of the country's strong love of nature.
Martin Harper, the RSPB's conservation director, said: “We're pleased the minister has listened to people's concerns and acted in the public interest by cancelling this project. This is a strong decision, reflecting the strength of the nation's desire to see Government protecting precious wildlife.
“The recovery of the buzzard is being celebrated by the public after many decades of persecution. It is clear they don't want their taxes being spent on removing buzzards and the Government has to ensure that no bird of prey will be killed in the name of sport.
“We don't want anything to distract Defra from the pressing task of saving our threatened wildlife. It should be putting its limited resources into areas such as preventing the extinction of hen harriers in England.
“Government-backed research has already concluded that illegal persecution is limiting the populations of golden eagle and hen harrier. The RSPB believes there are well-tried non-lethal solutions to reducing impacts of buzzards at pheasant pens.”
In a statement today, Mr Benyon said ministers would now come up with new proposals.
He added: "In the light of the public concerns expressed in recent days, I have decided to look at developing new research proposals on buzzards.
"The success of conservation measures has seen large increases in the numbers of buzzards and other birds of prey over the last two decades.
"At the same time it is right that we make decisions on the basis of sound evidence and we do need to understand better the whole relationship between raptors, game birds and other livestock.
"I will collaborate with all the organisations that have an interest in this issue and will bring forward new proposals."
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