FIRECREST TOURS : Guided Birdwatching & Wildlife Days

Hats off to Police Superintendent Nick Lyall, the current Chair of the Raptor Persecution Priority Delivery Group (RPPDG) in England and Wales. This guy took up post in September and promised accountability, transparency, and most importantly, delivery of the group’s objectives, which centre on a partnership approach to tackling illegal raptor persecution. No easy task […] from Raptor Persecution UK http://bit.ly/2BOHHqq via IFTTT

Hats off to Police Superintendent Nick Lyall, the current Chair of the Raptor Persecution Priority Delivery Group (RPPDG) in England and Wales. This guy took up post in September and promised accountability, transparency, and most importantly, delivery of the group’s objectives, which centre on a partnership approach to tackling illegal raptor persecution. No easy task […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://raptorpersecutionscotland.wordpress.com/2018/12/30/police-supt-nick-lyall-to-create-hostile-environment-for-raptor-killers-in-england-wales/

MASSIVE CONGRATULATIONS to Chris Packham who has been appointed CBE in the New Years Honours for services to nature conservation. The irony of this recognition from ‘The Establishment’ won’t be lost on him, but neither will the opportunities it will provide for him to expand his outstanding campaigning efforts against illegal raptor persecution, fox hunting and […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://raptorpersecutionscotland.wordpress.com/2018/12/29/chris-packham-appointed-cbe-for-services-to-nature-conservation/

MASSIVE CONGRATULATIONS to Chris Packham who has been appointed CBE in the New Years Honours for services to nature conservation. The irony of this recognition from ‘The Establishment’ won’t be lost on him, but neither will the opportunities it will provide for him to expand his outstanding campaigning efforts against illegal raptor persecution, fox hunting and […] from Raptor Persecution UK http://bit.ly/2EWjKkp via IFTTT

Many, many thanks to the Birdwatch team for nominating me for this accolade and to the Birdwatch readers who voted for me in the 2018 Birdwatch Birders’ Choice Awards. I did not expect this result! It’s a huge honour to win, not least given the calibre of fellow nominees on the shortlist, but what I’m […] from Raptor Persecution UK http://bit.ly/2EFLxFu via IFTTT

Many, many thanks to the Birdwatch team for nominating me for this accolade and to the Birdwatch readers who voted for me in the 2018 Birdwatch Birders’ Choice Awards. I did not expect this result! It’s a huge honour to win, not least given the calibre of fellow nominees on the shortlist, but what I’m […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://raptorpersecutionscotland.wordpress.com/2018/12/23/birdwatch-birders-choice-awards-2018-conservation-hero-of-the-year/

The Edinburgh office of charity OneKind was broken in to overnight on Weds/Thurs morning and a number of laptops and other equipment was stolen. A police investigation has opened. OneKind Director Bob Elliot told us that their databases are all secure and uncompromised. If you’re able to donate a small amount of money to help […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://raptorpersecutionscotland.wordpress.com/2018/12/21/friends-in-need-onekinds-office-burgled-equipment-stolen/

The Edinburgh office of charity OneKind was broken in to overnight on Weds/Thurs morning and a number of laptops and other equipment was stolen. A police investigation has opened. OneKind Director Bob Elliot told us that their databases are all secure and uncompromised. If you’re able to donate a small amount of money to help […] from Raptor Persecution UK http://bit.ly/2SczG5z via IFTTT

Earlier this week the Peak District Bird of Prey Initiative published its Peak District Bird of Prey Report 2018 and issued the following press statement: Peak District Bird of Prey Initiative highlights mixed fortunes for birds of prey in the National Park The Peak District Bird of Prey Initiative has today published its annual report […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://raptorpersecutionscotland.wordpress.com/2018/12/20/peak-district-bird-of-prey-initiative-hanging-by-a-thread/

Earlier this week the Peak District Bird of Prey Initiative published its Peak District Bird of Prey Report 2018 and issued the following press statement: Peak District Bird of Prey Initiative highlights mixed fortunes for birds of prey in the National Park The Peak District Bird of Prey Initiative has today published its annual report […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2R7mKkb via IFTTT

Remember back in November 2016 when a series of FoI requests revealed that Natural England was prepared to waste £50K of tax payers money on a social science ‘study’ to assess attitudes towards the Hen Harrier Action Plan? See here for info. The proposed ‘study’ was put forward by Prof Steve Redpath (Aberdeen Uni / […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://raptorpersecutionscotland.wordpress.com/2018/12/19/50k-study-reveals-the-bleedin-obvious-grouse-shooters-conservationists-disagree-on-hen-harrier-brood-meddling/

Remember back in November 2016 when a series of FoI requests revealed that Natural England was prepared to waste £50K of tax payers money on a social science ‘study’ to assess attitudes towards the Hen Harrier Action Plan? See here for info. The proposed ‘study’ was put forward by Prof Steve Redpath (Aberdeen Uni / […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2EFg2w6 via IFTTT

Northampton Police press release (17 December 2018): Buzzard shot in Sywell Country Park Police officers are appealing for information after a buzzard was shot in Sywell Country Park. The incident happened between 7am on Wednesday, November 28, and 8pm on Thursday, November 29, when a buzzard was found injured in the park having been shot. […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://raptorpersecutionscotland.wordpress.com/2018/12/19/buzzard-found-shot-in-sywell-country-park-northants/

Northampton Police press release (17 December 2018): Buzzard shot in Sywell Country Park Police officers are appealing for information after a buzzard was shot in Sywell Country Park. The incident happened between 7am on Wednesday, November 28, and 8pm on Thursday, November 29, when a buzzard was found injured in the park having been shot. […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2Cla3tQ via IFTTT

Earlier this week we blogged about the Countryside Alliance and GWCT’s responses to the legal challenge against Natural England’s decision to licence hen harrier brood meddling (see here). Both organisations struggled to understand why there should be resistance to this ludicrous plan, calling opposition from conservationists “extraordinary” and “odd“. This idiot’s guide might help (thanks, […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2ElgAGl via IFTTT

Earlier this week we blogged about the Countryside Alliance and GWCT’s responses to the legal challenge against Natural England’s decision to licence hen harrier brood meddling (see here). Both organisations struggled to understand why there should be resistance to this ludicrous plan, calling opposition from conservationists “extraordinary” and “odd“. This idiot’s guide might help (thanks, […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://raptorpersecutionscotland.wordpress.com/2018/12/15/an-idiots-guide-to-hen-harrier-brood-meddling-fao-countryside-alliance-gwct/

RSPB Scotland has published its latest report (The illegal killing of birds of prey in Scotland 2015-17 Report) which details amongst other things the ongoing illegal slaughter of birds of prey on Scottish grouse moors. Press release from RSPB Scotland: Grouse moor regulation vital to end illegal killing of Scotland’s raptors A new RSPB Scotland […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://raptorpersecutionscotland.wordpress.com/2018/12/14/new-rspb-report-details-ongoing-illegal-slaughter-of-raptors-on-scottish-grouse-moors/

RSPB Scotland has published its latest report (The illegal killing of birds of prey in Scotland 2015-17 Report) which details amongst other things the ongoing illegal slaughter of birds of prey on Scottish grouse moors. Press release from RSPB Scotland: Grouse moor regulation vital to end illegal killing of Scotland’s raptors A new RSPB Scotland […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2Ek4bCv via IFTTT

There was a reporter from The Times in court for day two of the hen harrier brood meddling legal challenge and he wrote a piece which appeared the next day: It’s a very short but accurate account of what was going on in Court 18 of the Royal Courts of Justice. However, this article has […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2rAhRSA via IFTTT

There was a reporter from The Times in court for day two of the hen harrier brood meddling legal challenge and he wrote a piece which appeared the next day: It’s a very short but accurate account of what was going on in Court 18 of the Royal Courts of Justice. However, this article has […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://raptorpersecutionscotland.wordpress.com/2018/12/13/countryside-alliance-gwct-comment-on-hen-harrier-brood-meddling-legal-challenge/

Day two of the legal challenge against Natural England’s decision to licence hen harrier brood meddling took place in the Royal Courts of Justice on Thurs 6th Dec 2018. For those who don’t know what hen harrier brood meddling is, please see here. For info about day one of this judicial review please see here. […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2RVnJ4n via IFTTT

Day two of the legal challenge against Natural England’s decision to licence hen harrier brood meddling took place in the Royal Courts of Justice on Thurs 6th Dec 2018. For those who don’t know what hen harrier brood meddling is, please see here. For info about day one of this judicial review please see here. […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://raptorpersecutionscotland.wordpress.com/2018/12/12/hen-harrier-brood-meddling-legal-challenge-day-2/

We’re saddened to report the passing of Ricky Gladwell Snr, a long-standing member of the Scottish Raptor Study Group, a field expert in hen harrier ecology and a familiar smiling face at the annual conferences of the SRSG and Northern England Raptor Forum. A lovely, lovely man who will be dearly missed. Below is an […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2LeEOn9 via IFTTT

We’re saddened to report the passing of Ricky Gladwell Snr, a long-standing member of the Scottish Raptor Study Group, a field expert in hen harrier ecology and a familiar smiling face at the annual conferences of the SRSG and Northern England Raptor Forum. A lovely, lovely man who will be dearly missed. Below is an […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://raptorpersecutionscotland.wordpress.com/2018/12/12/obituary-ricky-gladwell-snr/

How poignant are these? ‘Missing’ posters drawn by P4 school children (aged 7-8 years old) from Sunnyside Primary School in Glasgow after learning of the suspicious ‘disappearance’ of golden eagle Fred earlier this year. Advertisements RaptorPersecutionUK https://raptorpersecutionscotland.wordpress.com/2018/12/12/glasgow-school-kids-learn-golden-eagle-persecution-still-a-thing-in-their-country/

How poignant are these? ‘Missing’ posters drawn by P4 school children (aged 7-8 years old) from Sunnyside Primary School in Glasgow after learning of the suspicious ‘disappearance’ of golden eagle Fred earlier this year. Advertisements from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2EfoMbd via IFTTT

Last week we blogged about two owls (a short-eared and a tawny owl) that had been found shot on moorland in the Peak District National Park (here). West Yorkshire Police and the RSPB issued a joint statement appealing for information. [Photo of the shot short-eared owl from RSPB] As usual, the Northern England Raptor Forum […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://raptorpersecutionscotland.wordpress.com/2018/12/11/continued-inertia-from-grouse-shooting-reps-on-illegal-raptor-persecution/

Last week we blogged about two owls (a short-eared and a tawny owl) that had been found shot on moorland in the Peak District National Park (here). West Yorkshire Police and the RSPB issued a joint statement appealing for information. [Photo of the shot short-eared owl from RSPB] As usual, the Northern England Raptor Forum […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2SIq6Yc via IFTTT

If you thought Scottish Natural Heritage’s decision to licence the killing of 69 ravens in Strathbraan was bad……. Research by Dr Rob Sheldon has now revealed that from Jan 2015-July 2018, SNH issued 621 licences permitting the killing of over 4,000 ravens in Scotland. The shocking details can be found on Rob’s blog (here). [Raven […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://raptorpersecutionscotland.wordpress.com/2018/12/11/fois-reveal-mass-slaughter-of-ravens-in-scotland-authorised-by-snh/

If you thought Scottish Natural Heritage’s decision to licence the killing of 69 ravens in Strathbraan was bad……. Research by Dr Rob Sheldon has now revealed that from Jan 2015-July 2018, SNH issued 621 licences permitting the killing of over 4,000 ravens in Scotland. The shocking details can be found on Rob’s blog (here). [Raven […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2zSMkzH via IFTTT

Revive: the coalition for grouse moor reform has published its second report. Revive commissioned Common Weal and Lateral North to examine alternative futures for Scotland’s driven grouse moors, an area covering almost one fifth of Scotland where the current focus is on maximising the number of red grouse to be killed for sport; an environmentally damaging […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://raptorpersecutionscotland.wordpress.com/2018/12/10/back-to-life-new-report-on-alternative-visions-for-scotlands-grouse-moors/

Revive: the coalition for grouse moor reform has published its second report. Revive commissioned Common Weal and Lateral North to examine alternative futures for Scotland’s driven grouse moors, an area covering almost one fifth of Scotland where the current focus is on maximising the number of red grouse to be killed for sport; an environmentally damaging […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2RL2XEg via IFTTT

Police are appealing for information after the discovery of two shot owls in the Peak District National Park. On the evening of 11 September 2018 a local runner witnessed a short-eared owl flying overhead, followed by what sounded like gunshots. The following morning she returned to the moorland near Wessenden Head in the northern Peak […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2BX4SAd via IFTTT

Police are appealing for information after the discovery of two shot owls in the Peak District National Park. On the evening of 11 September 2018 a local runner witnessed a short-eared owl flying overhead, followed by what sounded like gunshots. The following morning she returned to the moorland near Wessenden Head in the northern Peak […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://raptorpersecutionscotland.wordpress.com/2018/12/07/two-owls-shot-in-peak-district-national-park/

The two-day legal challenge (judicial review) of Natural England’s decision to licence hen harrier brood meddling got underway in the Royal Courts of Justice yesterday. [Mark Avery with his legal team outside the court at the end of day one. L-R: Lewis Hadler, Tessa Gregory, David Wofle QC, Zoe Levanthal, Mark Avery. Photo by Ruth […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2SBSuLF via IFTTT

The two-day legal challenge (judicial review) of Natural England’s decision to licence hen harrier brood meddling got underway in the Royal Courts of Justice yesterday. [Mark Avery with his legal team outside the court at the end of day one. L-R: Lewis Hadler, Tessa Gregory, David Wofle QC, Zoe Levanthal, Mark Avery. Photo by Ruth […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://raptorpersecutionscotland.wordpress.com/2018/12/06/hen-harrier-brood-meddling-legal-challenge-day-1/

Press release from law firm Leigh Day (4 Dec 2018) Campaign to protect endangered hen harriers to be heard in High Court The High Court will hear a legal challenge to the brood management of endangered hen harriers on Wednesday 5th and Thursday 6th December 2018. Leading conservationist Mark Avery, represented by law firm Leigh Day, is […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://raptorpersecutionscotland.wordpress.com/2018/12/05/legal-challenge-against-hen-harrier-brood-meddling-reaches-the-high-court/

Press release from law firm Leigh Day (4 Dec 2018) Campaign to protect endangered hen harriers to be heard in High Court The High Court will hear a legal challenge to the brood management of endangered hen harriers on Wednesday 5th and Thursday 6th December 2018. Leading conservationist Mark Avery, represented by law firm Leigh Day, is […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2AUwnZE via IFTTT

From Cumnock Chronicle (29 Nov 2018) POISONED BIRD OF PREY SPARKS POLICE WARNING Residents in Mauchline are being warned to be on the look out after a bird of prey was found poisoned. A member of the public discovered the buzzard, still alive but in a distressed state on land on the outskirts of the […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://raptorpersecutionscotland.wordpress.com/2018/12/04/buzzard-found-poisoned-near-mauchline-south-scotland/

From Cumnock Chronicle (29 Nov 2018) POISONED BIRD OF PREY SPARKS POLICE WARNING Residents in Mauchline are being warned to be on the look out after a bird of prey was found poisoned. A member of the public discovered the buzzard, still alive but in a distressed state on land on the outskirts of the […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2KUzl4B via IFTTT

Police press release (4 Dec 2018): POLICE INVESTIGATION LAUNCHED AFTER BIRDS OF PREY KILLED BY ILLEGAL TRAPS ON ISLE OF WIGHT Two protected birds of prey, likely to have been caught in illegal spring traps, suffered ‘horrific and traumatic’ injuries. A joint investigation has been launched by Isle of Wight Police and the RSPB after […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://raptorpersecutionscotland.wordpress.com/2018/12/04/buzzard-hobby-found-with-horrific-spring-trap-injuries-on-isle-of-wight/

Police press release (4 Dec 2018): POLICE INVESTIGATION LAUNCHED AFTER BIRDS OF PREY KILLED BY ILLEGAL TRAPS ON ISLE OF WIGHT Two protected birds of prey, likely to have been caught in illegal spring traps, suffered ‘horrific and traumatic’ injuries. A joint investigation has been launched by Isle of Wight Police and the RSPB after […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2zFYImq via IFTTT

White-tailed eagles are never far from the news and even feature in the latest edition of Private Eye: The Committee on Climate Change reports referred to in the article can be found here. They’re really worth a read. The following text in the report ‘Land use: reducing emissions and preparing for climate change‘ will be […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2PiHOPE via IFTTT

White-tailed eagles are never far from the news and even feature in the latest edition of Private Eye: The Committee on Climate Change reports referred to in the article can be found here. They’re really worth a read. The following text in the report ‘Land use: reducing emissions and preparing for climate change‘ will be […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://raptorpersecutionscotland.wordpress.com/2018/12/04/private-eye-sea-eagles-hill-farmers-grouse-moor-burning/

Congratulations to Mark Thomas who will be taking on the role of RSPB Head of Investigations in January, following the departure of Bob Elliot earlier this year. Mark is no stranger to this field. He joined the RSPB’s Investigations Team based at The Lodge HQ way back in 1999 and has spent the last 19 […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2EaoCCJ via IFTTT

Congratulations to Mark Thomas who will be taking on the role of RSPB Head of Investigations in January, following the departure of Bob Elliot earlier this year. Mark is no stranger to this field. He joined the RSPB’s Investigations Team based at The Lodge HQ way back in 1999 and has spent the last 19 […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://raptorpersecutionscotland.wordpress.com/2018/12/03/new-rspb-head-of-investigations/

Press release from Abertay University (29/11/18): Scientitists recover fingerprints from feather exposed to outdoor conditions An Abertay University study has discovered that fingerprints can be recovered from bird feathers that have been left outside, exposing them to environmental conditions. Previous research from PhD Student Helen McMorris had revealed that it was possible to obtain fingerprints […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2StrUEn via IFTTT

Press release from Abertay University (29/11/18): Scientitists recover fingerprints from feather exposed to outdoor conditions An Abertay University study has discovered that fingerprints can be recovered from bird feathers that have been left outside, exposing them to environmental conditions. Previous research from PhD Student Helen McMorris had revealed that it was possible to obtain fingerprints […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://raptorpersecutionscotland.wordpress.com/2018/12/03/new-forensic-tool-to-identify-human-fingerprints-on-illegally-killed-raptors/