FIRECREST TOURS : Guided Birdwatching & Wildlife Days

Thanks for all your continued interest and support in 2019….it’s been another very busy year. Here are the top ten most read RPUK blogs over the last 12 months: Young golden eagle flying around Cairngorms National Park with an illegal trap clamped to its leg (here) Two more golden eagles go ‘missing’, on the same […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2F60UpN via IFTTT

Thanks for all your continued interest and support in 2019….it’s been another very busy year. Here are the top ten most read RPUK blogs over the last 12 months: Young golden eagle flying around Cairngorms National Park with an illegal trap clamped to its leg (here) Two more golden eagles go ‘missing’, on the same […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/2F60UpN

Iolo Williams is one of the UK’s most passionate and articulate advocates for birds of prey. If you’re into raptors this is an evening not to be missed. Advance booking is essential – order your tickets here Proceeds will go towards the conservation work of the Gloucestershire Raptor Monitoring Group. RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/2MKelzK

Iolo Williams is one of the UK’s most passionate and articulate advocates for birds of prey. If you’re into raptors this is an evening not to be missed. Advance booking is essential – order your tickets here Proceeds will go towards the conservation work of the Gloucestershire Raptor Monitoring Group. from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2MKelzK via IFTTT

For new blog readers, Police Supt Nick Lyall is the current Chair of the Raptor Persecution Priority Delivery Group (RPPDG), a partnership approach to tackling the illegal persecution of birds of prey in England & Wales. He’s been in post for just over a year. As we’ve written previously, when Nick took on the role […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/2PTmwMk

For new blog readers, Police Supt Nick Lyall is the current Chair of the Raptor Persecution Priority Delivery Group (RPPDG), a partnership approach to tackling the illegal persecution of birds of prey in England & Wales. He’s been in post for just over a year. As we’ve written previously, when Nick took on the role […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2PTmwMk via IFTTT

An article published by the Standpoint magazine has been doing the rounds on social media in recent days and is causing quite a reaction. Entitled ‘Carbon carnage: the real cost of grouse shooting‘ it’s authored by Dr Lisbet Rausing, of the famous Tetra Pak family, who is a Trustee of the Corrour Trust, running the […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2QduQ8t via IFTTT

An article published by the Standpoint magazine has been doing the rounds on social media in recent days and is causing quite a reaction. Entitled ‘Carbon carnage: the real cost of grouse shooting‘ it’s authored by Dr Lisbet Rausing, of the famous Tetra Pak family, who is a Trustee of the Corrour Trust, running the […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/2QduQ8t

If you’re in need of a good laugh this Christmas then it’s worth sparing four minutes to watch this GWCT video entitled ‘How grouse management is helping waders thrive in the Highlands’. GWCT has been promoting it as part of its response to the Werritty Review. The video features gamekeeper Ronnie Kippen who works in […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/2QbkoOR

If you’re in need of a good laugh this Christmas then it’s worth sparing four minutes to watch this GWCT video entitled ‘How grouse management is helping waders thrive in the Highlands’. GWCT has been promoting it as part of its response to the Werritty Review. The video features gamekeeper Ronnie Kippen who works in […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2QbkoOR via IFTTT

The Northern England Raptor Forum (NERF) has received a certificate of appreciation from Police Supt Nick Lyall, Chair of the Raptor Persecution Priority Delivery Group. In an accompanying letter (read it on the NERF website here), Nick Lyall writes: “Having recently reviewed the 5 year NERF contribution to the RSPB Hen Harrier Life Project I […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/2ELpps9

The Northern England Raptor Forum (NERF) has received a certificate of appreciation from Police Supt Nick Lyall, Chair of the Raptor Persecution Priority Delivery Group. In an accompanying letter (read it on the NERF website here), Nick Lyall writes: “Having recently reviewed the 5 year NERF contribution to the RSPB Hen Harrier Life Project I […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2ELpps9 via IFTTT

Further to Thursday’s long-awaited publication of the Werritty Review on grouse moor management (here), the BBC has recorded an interview with Professor Alan Werritty. The interview was conducted by the BBC’s Environment Correspondent Kevin Keane and was broadcast on the Out of Doors programme this morning (21 Dec 2019).  You can listen to it here (from 00.42 […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2Q7AEAf via IFTTT

Further to Thursday’s long-awaited publication of the Werritty Review on grouse moor management (here), the BBC has recorded an interview with Professor Alan Werritty. The interview was conducted by the BBC’s Environment Correspondent Kevin Keane and was broadcast on the Out of Doors programme this morning (21 Dec 2019).  You can listen to it here (from 00.42 […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/2Q7AEAf

Further to Thursday’s long-awaited publication of the Werritty Review on grouse moor management (here), the Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) has published a response. Publication of Werritty Review – statement from GWCT Scotland Commenting today on the publication of Grouse Moor Management Review Group – Report to the Scottish Government, Bruce Russell, Director Scotland, Game & […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/2EHWxB2

Further to Thursday’s long-awaited publication of the Werritty Review on grouse moor management (here), the Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) has published a response. Publication of Werritty Review – statement from GWCT Scotland Commenting today on the publication of Grouse Moor Management Review Group – Report to the Scottish Government, Bruce Russell, Director Scotland, Game & […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2EHWxB2 via IFTTT

Further to yesterday’s long-awaited publication of the Werritty Review on grouse moor management (here), Nicola Sturgeon received two related questions during First Minister’s Questions in the chamber yesterday afternoon (available to watch on ScotParlTV here and read full transcript here). Andy Wightman (Lothian) (Green): A month ago, the First Minister said to Alison Johnstone: “We […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2Zd7EeO via IFTTT

Further to yesterday’s long-awaited publication of the Werritty Review on grouse moor management (here), Nicola Sturgeon received two related questions during First Minister’s Questions in the chamber yesterday afternoon (available to watch on ScotParlTV here and read full transcript here). Andy Wightman (Lothian) (Green): A month ago, the First Minister said to Alison Johnstone: “We […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/2Zd7EeO

Further to the publication of the Werritty Review on grouse moor management this morning (here), the Scottish Wildlife Trust (SWT) has joined other groups in calling for the Scottish Government to stop procrastinating and get on with sorting out the practices that ‘have a serious impact on our natural environment’. There’s a strong and resolute message emerging […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/35He8ot via IFTTT

Further to the publication of the Werritty Review on grouse moor management this morning (here), the Scottish Wildlife Trust (SWT) has joined other groups in calling for the Scottish Government to stop procrastinating and get on with sorting out the practices that ‘have a serious impact on our natural environment’. There’s a strong and resolute message emerging […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/35He8ot

Further to the publication of the Werritty Review on grouse moor management this morning (here), The Scottish Greens have slammed the report as a ‘weak washout’. They’ve published the following statement: GROUSE MOOR REVIEW IS WEAK WASHOUT The Scottish Greens have branded the report of the Scottish Government’s high-profile review of grouse moor management a washout, after […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2Q3UuMJ via IFTTT

Further to the publication of the Werritty Review on grouse moor management this morning (here), The Scottish Greens have slammed the report as a ‘weak washout’. They’ve published the following statement: GROUSE MOOR REVIEW IS WEAK WASHOUT The Scottish Greens have branded the report of the Scottish Government’s high-profile review of grouse moor management a washout, after […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/2Q3UuMJ

Further to the publication of the Werritty Review on grouse moor management this morning (here), animal welfare charity OneKind has issued a press statement: Leading Scottish animal welfare campaigns charity OneKind has welcomed one of the recommendations in the newly-published Werritty Group report that users of traps should be legally required to undertake training, including refresher courses, […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/34DeA5O via IFTTT

Further to the publication of the Werritty Review on grouse moor management this morning (here), animal welfare charity OneKind has issued a press statement: Leading Scottish animal welfare campaigns charity OneKind has welcomed one of the recommendations in the newly-published Werritty Group report that users of traps should be legally required to undertake training, including refresher courses, […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/34DeA5O

Further to the publication of the Werritty Review on grouse moor management this morning (here), the Scottish Raptor Study Group (SRSG) has issued a statement: The Scottish Raptor Study Group is pleased with the Scottish Government’s Independent Grouse Moor Review Group’s report and in particular the recommendation to introduce a licensing framework but the steps proposed are […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2reiOTY via IFTTT

Further to the publication of the Werritty Review on grouse moor management this morning (here), the Scottish Raptor Study Group (SRSG) has issued a statement: The Scottish Raptor Study Group is pleased with the Scottish Government’s Independent Grouse Moor Review Group’s report and in particular the recommendation to introduce a licensing framework but the steps proposed are […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/2reiOTY

Further to the publication of the Werritty Review on grouse moor management this morning (here), the Revive Coalition for grouse moor reform has published a statement: WERRITTY REVIEW HAS BEEN A MISSED OPPORTUNITY Revive, the coalition for grouse moor reform has voiced its disappointment over what it is calling “a missed opportunity” to improve management practices on […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2s4TTT1 via IFTTT

Further to the publication of the Werritty Review on grouse moor management this morning (here), the Revive Coalition for grouse moor reform has published a statement: WERRITTY REVIEW HAS BEEN A MISSED OPPORTUNITY Revive, the coalition for grouse moor reform has voiced its disappointment over what it is calling “a missed opportunity” to improve management practices on […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/2s4TTT1

Further to the publication of the Werritty Review on grouse moor management this morning (here), a joint statement has been published by the usual suspects in the grouse shooting industry. It’s pretty clear that they recognise the game’s finally up – they simply haven’t done enough to clean up their industry, despite years and years of warnings […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2PDzJsA via IFTTT

Further to the publication of the Werritty Review on grouse moor management this morning (here), a joint statement has been published by the usual suspects in the grouse shooting industry. It’s pretty clear that they recognise the game’s finally up – they simply haven’t done enough to clean up their industry, despite years and years of warnings […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/2PDzJsA

Press release from RSPB Scotland (19 December 2019) in response to today’s publication of the Werritty Review on grouse moor management in Scotland. Independent grouse moor review does not go far or fast enough to tackle raptor crimes We support the recommendations relating to regulation of muirburn and better safeguards for mountain hare populations, however […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2PZpw8M via IFTTT

Press release from RSPB Scotland (19 December 2019) in response to today’s publication of the Werritty Review on grouse moor management in Scotland. Independent grouse moor review does not go far or fast enough to tackle raptor crimes We support the recommendations relating to regulation of muirburn and better safeguards for mountain hare populations, however […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/2PZpw8M

Further to the publication of the Werritty Review on grouse moor management this morning (here), Environment Cabinet Secretary Roseanna Cunningham has made an encouraging statement in a Scot Gov press release, as follows: GROUSE MOOR MANAGEMENT: LICENSING OPTION UNDER CONSIDERATION A review into grouse moor management has recommended the introduction of a shooting licensing scheme […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2rcHxrM via IFTTT

Further to the publication of the Werritty Review on grouse moor management this morning (here), Environment Cabinet Secretary Roseanna Cunningham has made an encouraging statement in a Scot Gov press release, as follows: GROUSE MOOR MANAGEMENT: LICENSING OPTION UNDER CONSIDERATION A review into grouse moor management has recommended the introduction of a shooting licensing scheme […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/2rcHxrM

The Scottish Government has this morning published the long-awaited Werritty Review on grouse moor management. You can download it here: Werritty Review_Nov2019 The key recommendation is that the panel unanimously recommends a licensing scheme for grouse moors in Scotland but inexplicably suggests a five-year moratorium of this measure to allow the grouse shooting industry to […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2EAUzT4 via IFTTT

The Scottish Government has this morning published the long-awaited Werritty Review on grouse moor management. You can download it here: Werritty Review_Nov2019 The key recommendation is that the panel unanimously recommends a licensing scheme for grouse moors in Scotland but inexplicably suggests a five-year moratorium of this measure to allow the grouse shooting industry to […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/2EAUzT4

The Scottish Government is expected to publish the long-awaited Werritty Review on grouse moor management today. Rumours have been rife for the last 24 hours, journalists have been in touch, and the late submission (yesterday) of what could be seen as a ‘soft’ (Government-initiated) Parliamentary question (see below) suggests this will be the trigger for […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2EyUe3i via IFTTT

The Scottish Government is expected to publish the long-awaited Werritty Review on grouse moor management today. Rumours have been rife for the last 24 hours, journalists have been in touch, and the late submission (yesterday) of what could be seen as a ‘soft’ (Government-initiated) Parliamentary question (see below) suggests this will be the trigger for […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/2EyUe3i

On Tuesday (17 December 2019) the Scottish Rural Affairs & Environment Minister, Mairi Gougeon, gave evidence to the cross-party Environment, Climate Change & Land Reform (ECCLR) committee which is currently considering Stage 1 of the Animals and Wildlife (Penalties, Protections and Powers) (Scotland) Bill. The transcript can be read here (wildlife crime discussed from page […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2M9cYdz via IFTTT

On Tuesday (17 December 2019) the Scottish Rural Affairs & Environment Minister, Mairi Gougeon, gave evidence to the cross-party Environment, Climate Change & Land Reform (ECCLR) committee which is currently considering Stage 1 of the Animals and Wildlife (Penalties, Protections and Powers) (Scotland) Bill. The transcript can be read here (wildlife crime discussed from page […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/2M9cYdz

Yesterday the Scottish Rural Affairs & Environment Minister, Mairi Gougeon, gave evidence to the cross-party Environment, Climate Change & Land Reform (ECCLR) committee which is currently considering Stage 1 of the Animals and Wildlife (Penalties, Protections and Powers) (Scotland) Bill. We’ll come back to the wider evidence session in another blog because there were some […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/2EpTJsb

Yesterday the Scottish Rural Affairs & Environment Minister, Mairi Gougeon, gave evidence to the cross-party Environment, Climate Change & Land Reform (ECCLR) committee which is currently considering Stage 1 of the Animals and Wildlife (Penalties, Protections and Powers) (Scotland) Bill. We’ll come back to the wider evidence session in another blog because there were some […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2EpTJsb via IFTTT

The anticipated changes to Scotland’s General Licences have been delayed until 1 April 2020, according to an announcement from Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) yesterday. General Licences are issued annually by the statutory conservation agencies and permit the ‘casual killing’ of an unlimited number of birds (crows, jackdaws, rooks and others), which may be killed under […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/2rVlaHD

The anticipated changes to Scotland’s General Licences have been delayed until 1 April 2020, according to an announcement from Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) yesterday. General Licences are issued annually by the statutory conservation agencies and permit the ‘casual killing’ of an unlimited number of birds (crows, jackdaws, rooks and others), which may be killed under […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2rVlaHD via IFTTT

Raptor Persecution UK was one of a number of organisations giving evidence to the Scottish Parliament’s Environment, Climate Change & Land Reform (ECCLR) Committee last week on the proposed increase in penalties for wildlife crime. The Animals and Wildlife (Penalties, Protections & Powers) (Scotland) Bill was introduced by Environment Cabinet Secretary Roseanna Cunningham on 30th […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2sxiVdm via IFTTT

Raptor Persecution UK was one of a number of organisations giving evidence to the Scottish Parliament’s Environment, Climate Change & Land Reform (ECCLR) Committee last week on the proposed increase in penalties for wildlife crime. The Animals and Wildlife (Penalties, Protections & Powers) (Scotland) Bill was introduced by Environment Cabinet Secretary Roseanna Cunningham on 30th […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/2sxiVdm

In late November 2019 Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) imposed a three-year General Licence restriction on Leadhills Estate, South Lanarkshire, after receiving what it described as “clear evidence” of wildlife crimes from Police Scotland (see here, here and here). Those alleged offences included the ‘illegal killing of a short-eared owl, two buzzards and three hen harriers’ […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/2tdbTen

In late November 2019 Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) imposed a three-year General Licence restriction on Leadhills Estate, South Lanarkshire, after receiving what it described as “clear evidence” of wildlife crimes from Police Scotland (see here, here and here). Those alleged offences included the ‘illegal killing of a short-eared owl, two buzzards and three hen harriers’ […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2tdbTen via IFTTT

Press release from Revive, the coalition for grouse moor reform (10 December 2019). Grouse moor reform campaigners celebrate a year of success on last day of grouse shooting season TV presenter and naturalist Chris Packham to address Scottish Parliament event on behalf of Revive, the coalition for grouse moor reform. Revive, the coalition for grouse […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2YzRpb2 via IFTTT

Press release from Revive, the coalition for grouse moor reform (10 December 2019). Grouse moor reform campaigners celebrate a year of success on last day of grouse shooting season TV presenter and naturalist Chris Packham to address Scottish Parliament event on behalf of Revive, the coalition for grouse moor reform. Revive, the coalition for grouse […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/2YzRpb2

Press release from RSPB Scotland (9 December 2019) Hen harrier found dead while two others disappear in suspicious circumstances RSPB Scotland is appealing for information following the discovery of the body of a hen harrier found to have been shot and the sudden disappearances of two young satellite tagged hen harriers. A member of the […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2YtMPLu via IFTTT

Press release from RSPB Scotland (9 December 2019) Hen harrier found dead while two others disappear in suspicious circumstances RSPB Scotland is appealing for information following the discovery of the body of a hen harrier found to have been shot and the sudden disappearances of two young satellite tagged hen harriers. A member of the […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/2YtMPLu

Yesterday the Revive coalition published a new report detailing the scale of animal suffering on Scottish grouse moors (see here). Today the coalition has published a second commissioned report, outlining alternatives to Scottish grouse moors that could help tackle climate change, increase biodiversity and benefit Scotland’s people. Authored by Dr Helen Armstrong, an ecological consultant […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2Primtx via IFTTT

Yesterday the Revive coalition published a new report detailing the scale of animal suffering on Scottish grouse moors (see here). Today the coalition has published a second commissioned report, outlining alternatives to Scottish grouse moors that could help tackle climate change, increase biodiversity and benefit Scotland’s people. Authored by Dr Helen Armstrong, an ecological consultant […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/2Primtx

Press release from Revive (8 December 2019) Animal welfare charities publish new report highlighting the scale of suffering on Scotland’s grouse moors Leading animal welfare charities have published a new report illustrating industrial scale suffering on Scotland’s grouse moors to sustain the grouse shooting industry. Untold Suffering, published by the League Against Cruel Sports Scotland […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/38h42MF

Press release from Revive (8 December 2019) Animal welfare charities publish new report highlighting the scale of suffering on Scotland’s grouse moors Leading animal welfare charities have published a new report illustrating industrial scale suffering on Scotland’s grouse moors to sustain the grouse shooting industry. Untold Suffering, published by the League Against Cruel Sports Scotland […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/38h42MF via IFTTT

Two and a half years ago, Environment Cabinet Secretary Roseanna Cunningham announced a pilot scheme whereby Police Special Constables would be deployed in the Cairngorms National Park to tackle wildlife crime. This initiative was one of a number of measures announced in May 2017 in response to the findings of the golden eagle satellite tag […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2PnawRF via IFTTT

Two and a half years ago, Environment Cabinet Secretary Roseanna Cunningham announced a pilot scheme whereby Police Special Constables would be deployed in the Cairngorms National Park to tackle wildlife crime. This initiative was one of a number of measures announced in May 2017 in response to the findings of the golden eagle satellite tag […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/2PnawRF

We’re often asked by colleagues overseas why attitudes in the UK towards birds of prey are so ignorant and outdated. Here’s one explanation – sensationalist nonsense being published in the media. We’ve seen this many times before, including here and here when the Scottish Gamekeepers Association were writing to the Scottish Government fearing that white-tailed […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/34ZIuC9

We’re often asked by colleagues overseas why attitudes in the UK towards birds of prey are so ignorant and outdated. Here’s one explanation – sensationalist nonsense being published in the media. We’ve seen this many times before, including here and here when the Scottish Gamekeepers Association were writing to the Scottish Government fearing that white-tailed […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/34ZIuC9 via IFTTT

Green Party press release (5 Dec 2019) Lucas launches New Deal for Nature Caroline Lucas, Green parliamentary candidate for Brighton Pavillion, has today (5 December) launched a New Deal for Nature, an independent report commissioned to inform the Green Party’s policies on nature and stimulate debate on the future of UK wildlife. The report, which […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/2Png8LT

Green Party press release (5 Dec 2019) Lucas launches New Deal for Nature Caroline Lucas, Green parliamentary candidate for Brighton Pavillion, has today (5 December) launched a New Deal for Nature, an independent report commissioned to inform the Green Party’s policies on nature and stimulate debate on the future of UK wildlife. The report, which […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2Png8LT via IFTTT

Big congratulations to Sgt Stu Grainger (North Yorkshire Police) and Superintendent Nick Lyall (Chair, Raptor Persecution Priority Delivery Group) who have both been recognised for their work fighting illegal raptor persecution. At the Wildlife Crime Enforcers Conference last weekend Stu Grainger received a Superintendents Commendation from Nick Lyall for his ‘tireless and outstanding commitment’ to […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2Li8gK5 via IFTTT

Big congratulations to Sgt Stu Grainger (North Yorkshire Police) and Superintendent Nick Lyall (Chair, Raptor Persecution Priority Delivery Group) who have both been recognised for their work fighting illegal raptor persecution. At the Wildlife Crime Enforcers Conference last weekend Stu Grainger received a Superintendents Commendation from Nick Lyall for his ‘tireless and outstanding commitment’ to […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/2Li8gK5

Following the news last week that yet another red kite had been found poisoned in Nidderdale (see here), the Northern England Raptor Forum (NERF) has published a statement. It’s well worth a read, here. [A poisoned red kite] A selected quote from the NERF statement: ‘The population of Pateley Bridge and surrounding area is less […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/2OI41tC

Following the news last week that yet another red kite had been found poisoned in Nidderdale (see here), the Northern England Raptor Forum (NERF) has published a statement. It’s well worth a read, here. [A poisoned red kite] A selected quote from the NERF statement: ‘The population of Pateley Bridge and surrounding area is less […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2OI41tC via IFTTT

Bedfordshire Police issued the following statement yesterday: This is good communication from the police. Although the alert doesn’t say when the buzzard was found it sounds as though it was a recent discovery and IF it does turn out to have been poisoned, the toxicology results may not be available for several weeks so this […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/34J3iOb via IFTTT

Bedfordshire Police issued the following statement yesterday: This is good communication from the police. Although the alert doesn’t say when the buzzard was found it sounds as though it was a recent discovery and IF it does turn out to have been poisoned, the toxicology results may not be available for several weeks so this […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/34J3iOb

Further to last week’s news that Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) has finally imposed a three-year General Licence restriction on the Leadhills Estate in South Lanarkshire (see here and here), there is now an explanation, of sorts, from SNH on the decision to issue the restriction notice. It wasn’t just one alleged incident of illegal raptor […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/2OFD6i5

Further to last week’s news that Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) has finally imposed a three-year General Licence restriction on the Leadhills Estate in South Lanarkshire (see here and here), there is now an explanation, of sorts, from SNH on the decision to issue the restriction notice. It wasn’t just one alleged incident of illegal raptor […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2OFD6i5 via IFTTT

Earlier this week it was announced that Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) had finally imposed a three-year General Licence restriction on Leadhills Estate in South Lanarkshire ‘on the basis of evidence provided by Police Scotland of wildlife crime against birds’ (see here). Before we proceed any further you should be aware that you are now entering […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/2qYfzQb

Earlier this week it was announced that Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) had finally imposed a three-year General Licence restriction on Leadhills Estate in South Lanarkshire ‘on the basis of evidence provided by Police Scotland of wildlife crime against birds’ (see here). Before we proceed any further you should be aware that you are now entering […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2qYfzQb via IFTTT

Press release from RSPB (28 November 2019) Red Kite poisoned in Nidderdale North Yorkshire Police and the RSPB are appealing for information after a protected red kite was found poisoned in an area of North Yorkshire with the worst record for the illegal killing of birds of prey in England. A member of the public […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/34tdavD via IFTTT

Press release from RSPB (28 November 2019) Red Kite poisoned in Nidderdale North Yorkshire Police and the RSPB are appealing for information after a protected red kite was found poisoned in an area of North Yorkshire with the worst record for the illegal killing of birds of prey in England. A member of the public […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/34tdavD

Joint press release from Northumbria Police and RSPB (27 November 2019) Hen Harrier Ada Disappears Today, Northumbria Police and the RSPB have issued an appeal for information following the sudden disappearance of yet another satellite tagged hen harrier, a female bird known as Ada. [Hen Harrier Ada being satellite tagged in the summer. Photo from RSPB] […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/2XYgOv2

Joint press release from Northumbria Police and RSPB (27 November 2019) Hen Harrier Ada Disappears Today, Northumbria Police and the RSPB have issued an appeal for information following the sudden disappearance of yet another satellite tagged hen harrier, a female bird known as Ada. [Hen Harrier Ada being satellite tagged in the summer. Photo from RSPB] […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2XYgOv2 via IFTTT

Press release from SNH (26 Nov 2019) General Licence restriction on Leadhills Estate, South Lanarkshire Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) has restricted the use of general licences on Leadhills Estate in South Lanarkshire this week. The decision was made on the basis of evidence provided by Police Scotland of wildlife crime against birds. [Chris Packham holding […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2KU3eDs via IFTTT

Press release from SNH (26 Nov 2019) General Licence restriction on Leadhills Estate, South Lanarkshire Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) has restricted the use of general licences on Leadhills Estate in South Lanarkshire this week. The decision was made on the basis of evidence provided by Police Scotland of wildlife crime against birds. [Chris Packham holding […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/2KU3eDs

Job Description: The illegal killing of the birds of prey is a stain on the UK’s reputation. It affects almost all of our raptor species, and particularly impacts those of high conservation concern such as the hen harrier, peregrine and golden eagle. This role is working within a dedicated and unique team combatting this issue […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/2XRyYP4

Job Description: The illegal killing of the birds of prey is a stain on the UK’s reputation. It affects almost all of our raptor species, and particularly impacts those of high conservation concern such as the hen harrier, peregrine and golden eagle. This role is working within a dedicated and unique team combatting this issue […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2XRyYP4 via IFTTT

At today’s First Minister’s Question Time in the Scottish Parliament Nicola Sturgeon confirmed that the Government had received Professor Werritty’s grouse moor management review on Monday (18th Nov) and said “we hope to publish it before the end of the year, and also to set out our response to it and how we will take […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2O9rgMJ via IFTTT

At today’s First Minister’s Question Time in the Scottish Parliament Nicola Sturgeon confirmed that the Government had received Professor Werritty’s grouse moor management review on Monday (18th Nov) and said “we hope to publish it before the end of the year, and also to set out our response to it and how we will take […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/2O9rgMJ

In September 2019 the Scottish Gamekeepers Association (SGA) lodged a petition at the Scottish Parliament calling for the ‘independent monitoring of satellite tags fitted to raptors’. You can read the petition here: SGA petition PE01750 Independent monitoring raptor satellite tags It’s the latest in a long line of efforts to undermine and discredit the use […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/37fVsgK

In September 2019 the Scottish Gamekeepers Association (SGA) lodged a petition at the Scottish Parliament calling for the ‘independent monitoring of satellite tags fitted to raptors’. You can read the petition here: SGA petition PE01750 Independent monitoring raptor satellite tags It’s the latest in a long line of efforts to undermine and discredit the use […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/37fVsgK via IFTTT

Somerset Wildlife Trust is hosting a public talk on Natural England’s proposed southern reintroduction of hen harriers. This controversial plan is part of DEFRA’s ludicrous Hen Harrier InAction Plan and is due to begin in 2020 with birds donated from Spain being reintroduced to Wiltshire (more on these details in due course – we’re currently […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/35eTfAA via IFTTT

Somerset Wildlife Trust is hosting a public talk on Natural England’s proposed southern reintroduction of hen harriers. This controversial plan is part of DEFRA’s ludicrous Hen Harrier InAction Plan and is due to begin in 2020 with birds donated from Spain being reintroduced to Wiltshire (more on these details in due course – we’re currently […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/35eTfAA

In February this year, amidst a blaze of publicity and fanfare, it was claimed that plans to reintroduce golden eagles to Wales were well underway and that a licence application to Natural Resources Wales (NRW) would be lodged by July. The claim was made by Dr Paul O’Donoghue of ‘Wilder Britain‘, also the individual behind […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/32Vxu79 via IFTTT

In February this year, amidst a blaze of publicity and fanfare, it was claimed that plans to reintroduce golden eagles to Wales were well underway and that a licence application to Natural Resources Wales (NRW) would be lodged by July. The claim was made by Dr Paul O’Donoghue of ‘Wilder Britain‘, also the individual behind […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/32Vxu79

Yesterday evening we were sent a link via Twitter to the following website: Seven Years On The website name didn’t mean anything, nor did the byline, ‘Snared by a driven pheasant shoot: a story of dishonour and arbitrary power in the British countryside‘. [Photographed through the cottage window, by @SevenYearsOn1] It took a while to […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/32Upof5 via IFTTT

Yesterday evening we were sent a link via Twitter to the following website: Seven Years On The website name didn’t mean anything, nor did the byline, ‘Snared by a driven pheasant shoot: a story of dishonour and arbitrary power in the British countryside‘. [Photographed through the cottage window, by @SevenYearsOn1] It took a while to […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/32Upof5

From the Belfast Telegraph (14/11/19): BIRD OF PREY FOUND SHOT THREE TIMES ON MEND, SAY OMAGH VETS A bird of prey is recovering after being shot three times in Co Tyrone. X-rays performed by Omagh practice Corry & O’Hare Vets revealed that the buzzard had received a fractured bone following the attack in Newtownstewart. Three […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/32QO6wN via IFTTT

From the Belfast Telegraph (14/11/19): BIRD OF PREY FOUND SHOT THREE TIMES ON MEND, SAY OMAGH VETS A bird of prey is recovering after being shot three times in Co Tyrone. X-rays performed by Omagh practice Corry & O’Hare Vets revealed that the buzzard had received a fractured bone following the attack in Newtownstewart. Three […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/32QO6wN

Rumour has it, Professor Alan Werritty has submitted his long-awaited review on grouse moor management to the Scottish Government, two and a half years after it was first announced by Environment Cabinet Secretary Roseanna Cunningham following the devastating findings of the golden eagle satellite tag review, which showed the extent and scale of ongoing golden […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2Qmw6Yx via IFTTT

Rumour has it, Professor Alan Werritty has submitted his long-awaited review on grouse moor management to the Scottish Government, two and a half years after it was first announced by Environment Cabinet Secretary Roseanna Cunningham following the devastating findings of the golden eagle satellite tag review, which showed the extent and scale of ongoing golden […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/2Qmw6Yx

Proposed new legislation in Scotland will have significant ramifications for those who continue to kill birds of prey. The Animals and Wildlife (Penalties, Protections & Powers) (Scotland) Bill was introduced by Environment Cabinet Secretary Roseanna Cunningham on 30th September 2019 (see here for associated docs) and will, amongst other things, increase the maximum available penalties […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/2Kpgqjq

Proposed new legislation in Scotland will have significant ramifications for those who continue to kill birds of prey. The Animals and Wildlife (Penalties, Protections & Powers) (Scotland) Bill was introduced by Environment Cabinet Secretary Roseanna Cunningham on 30th September 2019 (see here for associated docs) and will, amongst other things, increase the maximum available penalties […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2Kpgqjq via IFTTT

The Scottish Raptor Study Group (SRSG) is holding a three-day exhibition in the Scottish Parliament this week to showcase the group’s immense contribution to the Scottish Raptor Monitoring Scheme as well as to highlight the ongoing issue of illegal raptor persecution on and around some driven grouse moors. This is a follow-on event from the […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/374ddzp

The Scottish Raptor Study Group (SRSG) is holding a three-day exhibition in the Scottish Parliament this week to showcase the group’s immense contribution to the Scottish Raptor Monitoring Scheme as well as to highlight the ongoing issue of illegal raptor persecution on and around some driven grouse moors. This is a follow-on event from the […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/374ddzp via IFTTT

Press release from the Partnership for Action Against Wildlife Crime Northern Ireland (PAW NI): Birds of prey to be safeguarded by new technology Satellite tracking devices are to be fitted onto birds of prey and nesting site surveillance installed, in the latest fight against wildlife crime. ‘Hawk-Eyes’, an advanced technology project, is being launched by […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2K2h86i via IFTTT

Press release from the Partnership for Action Against Wildlife Crime Northern Ireland (PAW NI): Birds of prey to be safeguarded by new technology Satellite tracking devices are to be fitted onto birds of prey and nesting site surveillance installed, in the latest fight against wildlife crime. ‘Hawk-Eyes’, an advanced technology project, is being launched by […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/2K2h86i

A couple of weeks ago the RSPB announced it was going to conduct a review of its policy on game bird shooting (see here). That’s all it was – a statement of intent to review a policy, nothing more, nothing less. However, this statement elicited a surprisingly strong reaction from the game shooting organisations who […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2NNtwrL via IFTTT

A couple of weeks ago the RSPB announced it was going to conduct a review of its policy on game bird shooting (see here). That’s all it was – a statement of intent to review a policy, nothing more, nothing less. However, this statement elicited a surprisingly strong reaction from the game shooting organisations who […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/2NNtwrL

Last month the Scottish animal welfare charity OneKind lodged a petition at the Scottish Parliament calling for ‘an end to the killing of wildlife on grouse moors and elsewhere in Scotland’. Below is some background information from OneKind on why they’re calling for the Scottish Parliament to conduct a full review of the animal welfare […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2NjcjY5 via IFTTT

Last month the Scottish animal welfare charity OneKind lodged a petition at the Scottish Parliament calling for ‘an end to the killing of wildlife on grouse moors and elsewhere in Scotland’. Below is some background information from OneKind on why they’re calling for the Scottish Parliament to conduct a full review of the animal welfare […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/2NjcjY5

Last week we blogged about how the brood meddling project management team had agreed to fit a new, untested type of satellite tag to at least three of the five brood meddled hen harriers (see here). This new tag was also fitted to other hen harrier chicks by Natural England this year. One of those […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2PWicfL via IFTTT

Last week we blogged about how the brood meddling project management team had agreed to fit a new, untested type of satellite tag to at least three of the five brood meddled hen harriers (see here). This new tag was also fitted to other hen harrier chicks by Natural England this year. One of those […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/2PWicfL

In its desperation to appear ethical and sustainable, the game shooting industry has often pretended that shot game birds all end up in the human food chain. For example, in a letter to the Daily Telegraph in November 2005 headed ‘Game birds for eating not dumping’, Tim Bonner of the Countryside Alliance said this: “Every bird shot […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/33dQFKp

In its desperation to appear ethical and sustainable, the game shooting industry has often pretended that shot game birds all end up in the human food chain. For example, in a letter to the Daily Telegraph in November 2005 headed ‘Game birds for eating not dumping’, Tim Bonner of the Countryside Alliance said this: “Every bird shot […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/33dQFKp via IFTTT

Press release from RSPB Scotland (4 Nov 2019): Two satellite-tagged eagles disappear on the same day Both last recorded on grouse moors RSPB Scotland is appealing for information after two young satellite-tagged white-tailed eagles disappeared in highly suspicious circumstances. Transmissions from the tags of both birds ceased on 22nd July this summer, one last recorded […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/2PMy0kP

Press release from RSPB Scotland (4 Nov 2019): Two satellite-tagged eagles disappear on the same day Both last recorded on grouse moors RSPB Scotland is appealing for information after two young satellite-tagged white-tailed eagles disappeared in highly suspicious circumstances. Transmissions from the tags of both birds ceased on 22nd July this summer, one last recorded […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2PMy0kP via IFTTT

Earlier this week we blogged about Natural England’s decision to fit the brood meddled hen harrier chicks with ‘untested’ satellite tags and how some of those tags were not functioning reliably in the weeks following the birds’ release (see here). As three of those hen harriers have since been reported as ‘missing’ it is impossible […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/335DzyV via IFTTT

Earlier this week we blogged about Natural England’s decision to fit the brood meddled hen harrier chicks with ‘untested’ satellite tags and how some of those tags were not functioning reliably in the weeks following the birds’ release (see here). As three of those hen harriers have since been reported as ‘missing’ it is impossible […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/335DzyV

The following article was published today in the Wharfedale Observer: Call for robust action to protect grouse on Ilkley Moor by Annette McIntyre (reporter) BRADFORD Council is planning “robust” action after reports of grouse being driven from Ilkley Moor to be shot. Grouse shooting was banned on the moor at the start of 2018 when […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/36nxOyi

The following article was published today in the Wharfedale Observer: Call for robust action to protect grouse on Ilkley Moor by Annette McIntyre (reporter) BRADFORD Council is planning “robust” action after reports of grouse being driven from Ilkley Moor to be shot. Grouse shooting was banned on the moor at the start of 2018 when […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/36nxOyi via IFTTT

Just when you thought the hen harrier brood meddling trial couldn’t be discredited any further…..it turns out that three of the five brood meddled chicks have been fitted with a new, untested type of satellite tag which showed reliability problems right from the start of the trial. A further five hen harrier chicks, unrelated to […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/2MVolH8

Just when you thought the hen harrier brood meddling trial couldn’t be discredited any further…..it turns out that three of the five brood meddled chicks have been fitted with a new, untested type of satellite tag which showed reliability problems right from the start of the trial. A further five hen harrier chicks, unrelated to […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2MVolH8 via IFTTT

Revive, the coalition for grouse moor reform in Scotland hosted a well-attended fringe event at the recent SNP national conference in Aberdeen, attracting enthusiasm and support from members just as it did at the SNP’s spring conference event earlier this year (see here). Revive’s campaign manager, Max Wiszniewski has written a blog about the event […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/349yE00

Revive, the coalition for grouse moor reform in Scotland hosted a well-attended fringe event at the recent SNP national conference in Aberdeen, attracting enthusiasm and support from members just as it did at the SNP’s spring conference event earlier this year (see here). Revive’s campaign manager, Max Wiszniewski has written a blog about the event […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/349yE00 via IFTTT

[Photo by Getty] At the RSPB’s AGM yesterday, the Chair of RSPB Council made the following announcement (also published on Martin Harper’s blog): Announcement of review of RSPB policy on gamebird shooting “There is growing concern about the environmental impact (including for carbon, water and biodiversity) of intensive forms of game bird shooting and associated […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2PoQw2S via IFTTT

[Photo by Getty] At the RSPB’s AGM yesterday, the Chair of RSPB Council made the following announcement (also published on Martin Harper’s blog): Announcement of review of RSPB policy on gamebird shooting “There is growing concern about the environmental impact (including for carbon, water and biodiversity) of intensive forms of game bird shooting and associated […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/2PoQw2S

You’ll recall that satellite-tagged hen harrier Rosie was reported as being the fourth young hen harrier to disappear this autumn, in a vague statement issued by Northumbria Police on 17th October 2019 (see here). Rosie was not one of the brood meddled hen harriers but was a 2019 bird satellite tagged by Natural England in […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/2plk9Y7