FIRECREST TOURS : Guided Birdwatching & Wildlife Days

In May 2017 Scottish Environment Cabinet Secretary Roseanna Cunningham initiated a review of grouse moor management following continued evidence of widespread illegal raptor persecution associated with this type of land use (here). Six months later the members of the review group were announced by the Scottish Government (here) and the review process became known to […] from Raptor Persecution UK http://bit.ly/2HHovB7 via IFTTT

In May 2017 Scottish Environment Cabinet Secretary Roseanna Cunningham initiated a review of grouse moor management following continued evidence of widespread illegal raptor persecution associated with this type of land use (here). Six months later the members of the review group were announced by the Scottish Government (here) and the review process became known to […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://raptorpersecutionscotland.wordpress.com/2019/01/31/prelim-results-of-prof-werrittys-grouse-moor-review-to-be-revealed-at-gwct-conference/

The Countryside Alliance, with others, has long been trying to silence Chris Packham by either calling for him to be sacked from the BBC or “reigned in”, e.g. here and here, by claiming that Chris “abuses his position” as a BBC presenter to “promote an extreme agenda”. It’s amusing then, to see the BBC calling […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://raptorpersecutionscotland.wordpress.com/2019/01/31/chris-packham-victim-of-dirty-tricks-campaign-by-grouse-shooting-lobby/

The Countryside Alliance, with others, has long been trying to silence Chris Packham by either calling for him to be sacked from the BBC or “reigned in”, e.g. here and here, by claiming that Chris “abuses his position” as a BBC presenter to “promote an extreme agenda”. It’s amusing then, to see the BBC calling […] from Raptor Persecution UK http://bit.ly/2HFLkW4 via IFTTT

Another week and another photograph of a pile of dumped pheasants, this time in Lincolnshire and less than two weeks after video footage of a JCB dumping hundreds of shot pheasants in to hole in Leicestershire caused national outrage after being published by The Times. The latest photograph was taken by dog walker Alan Fox […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://raptorpersecutionscotland.wordpress.com/2019/01/30/dead-pheasants-dumped-in-lincolnshire-presumed-shot/

Another week and another photograph of a pile of dumped pheasants, this time in Lincolnshire and less than two weeks after video footage of a JCB dumping hundreds of shot pheasants in to hole in Leicestershire caused national outrage after being published by The Times. The latest photograph was taken by dog walker Alan Fox […] from Raptor Persecution UK http://bit.ly/2HEGrfU via IFTTT

Last Friday we blogged about how the Scottish Gamekeepers Association (SGA) had published a statement claiming that a satellite-tagged hen harrier (‘Saorsa’) had been “re-sighted in Perthshire” after the RSPB reported it as having disappeared in suspicious circumstances from the Angus Glens last year. RSPB Scotland issued a statement in response which said the SGA’s […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://raptorpersecutionscotland.wordpress.com/2019/01/28/more-on-the-sgas-completely-false-claim-that-hen-harrier-saorsa-has-been-re-sighted/

Last Friday we blogged about how the Scottish Gamekeepers Association (SGA) had published a statement claiming that a satellite-tagged hen harrier (‘Saorsa’) had been “re-sighted in Perthshire” after the RSPB reported it as having disappeared in suspicious circumstances from the Angus Glens last year. RSPB Scotland issued a statement in response which said the SGA’s […] from Raptor Persecution UK http://bit.ly/2G2jmkM via IFTTT

Renowned biologist, ecologist and mountaineer Dr Adam Watson passed away earlier this week at the age of 88. Appropriately and fondly known as ‘Mr Cairngorms’, he produced an incredible body of work including 23 books, 287 peer-reviewed scientific papers and 178 technical reports. Not surprisingly, many tributes have appeared in the national media and on […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://raptorpersecutionscotland.wordpress.com/2019/01/27/obituary-dr-adam-watson/

Renowned biologist, ecologist and mountaineer Dr Adam Watson passed away earlier this week at the age of 88. Appropriately and fondly known as ‘Mr Cairngorms’, he produced an incredible body of work including 23 books, 287 peer-reviewed scientific papers and 178 technical reports. Not surprisingly, many tributes have appeared in the national media and on […] from Raptor Persecution UK http://bit.ly/2HyAwZJ via IFTTT

Further to our lunchtime blog (here) about the Scottish Gamekeepers Association fabricating a story about a supposed “re-sighting” of a satellite-tagged hen harrier (Saorsa) who disappeared in suspicious circumstances in the Angus Glens in February 2018, the RSPB has just issued the following press statement: Ian Thomson, RSPB Scotland’s Head of Investigations said; “The SGA’s […] from Raptor Persecution UK http://bit.ly/2B2P9P2 via IFTTT

Further to our lunchtime blog (here) about the Scottish Gamekeepers Association fabricating a story about a supposed “re-sighting” of a satellite-tagged hen harrier (Saorsa) who disappeared in suspicious circumstances in the Angus Glens in February 2018, the RSPB has just issued the following press statement: Ian Thomson, RSPB Scotland’s Head of Investigations said; “The SGA’s […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://raptorpersecutionscotland.wordpress.com/2019/01/25/sgas-claims-about-hen-harrier-saorsa-completely-false-says-rspb/

The Scottish Gamekeepers Association has issued a press release today claiming that a satellite-tagged hen harrier (named Saorsa) that disappeared in suspicious circumstances in the Angus Glens last year “was re-sighted in Perthshire“. This is a complete fabrication. We’ve spoken to the RSPB (who tagged this harrier) and they’ve confirmed that Saorsa remains ‘missing in […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://raptorpersecutionscotland.wordpress.com/2019/01/25/sga-fabricates-news-on-missing-sat-tagged-hen-harrier-saorsa/

The Scottish Gamekeepers Association has issued a press release today claiming that a satellite-tagged hen harrier (named Saorsa) that disappeared in suspicious circumstances in the Angus Glens last year “was re-sighted in Perthshire“. This is a complete fabrication. We’ve spoken to the RSPB (who tagged this harrier) and they’ve confirmed that Saorsa remains ‘missing in […] from Raptor Persecution UK http://bit.ly/2WhoqHw via IFTTT

There was a short piece in The Telegraph today with the headline, Packham ‘won’t let royals off the hook’ over game shooting. Written by ‘royal correspondent’ Hannah Furness, it claimed Packham “will interrogate the Royal family over its participation in game shooting when he receives his CBE” and it also stated “Packham pledged that he […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://raptorpersecutionscotland.wordpress.com/2019/01/22/packham-v-royal-family-crap-journalist-contrives-aggressive-conflict/

There was a short piece in The Telegraph today with the headline, Packham ‘won’t let royals off the hook’ over game shooting. Written by ‘royal correspondent’ Hannah Furness, it claimed Packham “will interrogate the Royal family over its participation in game shooting when he receives his CBE” and it also stated “Packham pledged that he […] from Raptor Persecution UK http://bit.ly/2Wcvoxp via IFTTT

RSPB press release (21 January 2019): Hen harrier ‘River’ disappears in suspicious circumstances The police and the RSPB are investigating the sudden disappearance of yet another satellite tagged hen harrier in North Yorkshire, the county with the worst reputation for bird of prey persecution. The bird, named River, was one of several hen harrier chicks […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://raptorpersecutionscotland.wordpress.com/2019/01/21/satellite-tagged-hen-harrier-river-disappears-on-grouse-moor-in-nidderdale-aonb-north-yorkshire/

RSPB press release (21 January 2019): Hen harrier ‘River’ disappears in suspicious circumstances The police and the RSPB are investigating the sudden disappearance of yet another satellite tagged hen harrier in North Yorkshire, the county with the worst reputation for bird of prey persecution. The bird, named River, was one of several hen harrier chicks […] from Raptor Persecution UK http://bit.ly/2RYyZ2X via IFTTT

Further to earlier blogs about the National Gamekeepers’ Organisation (NGO) formally resigning from the Raptor Persecution Priority Delivery Group (here, here, here), the official resignation letter has now been published. This is copied directly from the NGO’s website: Oh, where to begin. Let’s start with the intro blurb, and this statement: “The NGO remains committed […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://raptorpersecutionscotland.wordpress.com/2019/01/21/national-gamekeepers-orgs-resignation-letter-in-full/

Further to earlier blogs about the National Gamekeepers’ Organisation (NGO) formally resigning from the Raptor Persecution Priority Delivery Group (here, here, here), the official resignation letter has now been published. This is copied directly from the NGO’s website: Oh, where to begin. Let’s start with the intro blurb, and this statement: “The NGO remains committed […] from Raptor Persecution UK http://bit.ly/2RV2JOp via IFTTT

Earlier today we blogged (here) about the apparent boycott by several pro-shooting organisations of the Raptor Persecution Priority Delivery Group (RPPDG), the so-called ‘partnership’ tasked with tackling the illegal killing of birds of prey on game shoots in England & Wales. According to an article published in The Times, we learned that the National Gamekeepers’ […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://raptorpersecutionscotland.wordpress.com/2019/01/21/back-pedalling-basc/

Earlier today we blogged (here) about the apparent boycott by several pro-shooting organisations of the Raptor Persecution Priority Delivery Group (RPPDG), the so-called ‘partnership’ tasked with tackling the illegal killing of birds of prey on game shoots in England & Wales. According to an article published in The Times, we learned that the National Gamekeepers’ […] from Raptor Persecution UK http://bit.ly/2T5W55h via IFTTT

This is quite spectacular. Further to yesterday’s blog (here) where it was revealed the National Gamekeepers’ Organisation had formally resigned from the DEFRA group established to tackle illegal raptor persecution (the RPPDG – Raptor Persecution Priority Delivery Group), there’s a piece in today’s edition of The Times explaining the gamekeepers’ decision, and also explaining why […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://raptorpersecutionscotland.wordpress.com/2019/01/21/seriously-supt-nick-lyalls-integrity-challenged-by-pro-game-shooting-groups/

This is quite spectacular. Further to yesterday’s blog (here) where it was revealed the National Gamekeepers’ Organisation had formally resigned from the DEFRA group established to tackle illegal raptor persecution (the RPPDG – Raptor Persecution Priority Delivery Group), there’s a piece in today’s edition of The Times explaining the gamekeepers’ decision, and also explaining why […] from Raptor Persecution UK http://bit.ly/2R6loCs via IFTTT

The National Gamekeepers’ Organisation (NGO) has formally resigned from the Raptor Persecution Priority Delivery Group (RPPDG) because it ‘doesn’t like the direction of travel’ in which the group is travelling. Regular blog readers will be familiar with the RPPDG but for the benefit of new readers, here’s a quick recap. The RPPDG was established in […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://raptorpersecutionscotland.wordpress.com/2019/01/20/gamekeepers-resign-from-defra-group-established-to-tackle-illegal-raptor-persecution/

The National Gamekeepers’ Organisation (NGO) has formally resigned from the Raptor Persecution Priority Delivery Group (RPPDG) because it ‘doesn’t like the direction of travel’ in which the group is travelling. Regular blog readers will be familiar with the RPPDG but for the benefit of new readers, here’s a quick recap. The RPPDG was established in […] from Raptor Persecution UK http://bit.ly/2R5dn0A via IFTTT

The RSPB is advertising a number of job vacancies to help monitor and protect birds of prey in England this year, with a particular focus on the beleagured hen harrier. SEASONAL FIELD ASSISTANT, BOWLAND, LANCASHIRE The RSPB is looking for a skilled and dedicated Field Officer to help monitor and protect birds of prey on […] from Raptor Persecution UK http://bit.ly/2RH1MsV via IFTTT

The RSPB is advertising a number of job vacancies to help monitor and protect birds of prey in England this year, with a particular focus on the beleagured hen harrier. SEASONAL FIELD ASSISTANT, BOWLAND, LANCASHIRE The RSPB is looking for a skilled and dedicated Field Officer to help monitor and protect birds of prey on […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://raptorpersecutionscotland.wordpress.com/2019/01/13/rspb-job-vacancies-raptor-monitoring-protection-northern-england/

Join conservationist and broadcaster Iolo Williams next Wednesday evening as he talks about his passion for birds of prey and highlights the ongoing illegal persecution of these special birds. He’s a brilliant speaker – not to be missed! Tickets cost £16.31 (a bit of a weird price!) and all proceeds will go to campaign group […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://raptorpersecutionscotland.wordpress.com/2019/01/12/an-evening-with-iolo-williams/

Join conservationist and broadcaster Iolo Williams next Wednesday evening as he talks about his passion for birds of prey and highlights the ongoing illegal persecution of these special birds. He’s a brilliant speaker – not to be missed! Tickets cost £16.31 (a bit of a weird price!) and all proceeds will go to campaign group […] from Raptor Persecution UK http://bit.ly/2AElbRd via IFTTT

Yesterday we blogged about the second local community meeting held in Goathland on Wednesday night, where more concerns were discussed about grouse moor management in the area (see here). For convenience, here are the notes we published yesterday, written by meeting attendee Richard Gray: We’ve now received some additional notes from another blog reader who […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://raptorpersecutionscotland.wordpress.com/2019/01/11/additional-notes-from-the-2nd-goathland-meeting-on-grouse-moor-management/

Yesterday we blogged about the second local community meeting held in Goathland on Wednesday night, where more concerns were discussed about grouse moor management in the area (see here). For convenience, here are the notes we published yesterday, written by meeting attendee Richard Gray: We’ve now received some additional notes from another blog reader who […] from Raptor Persecution UK http://bit.ly/2SO6bYj via IFTTT

The following is a guest blog contributed by Les Wallace, whose Westminster petition (‘An independent study to find if driven grouse shooting is of economic benefit’) is due to close on 2 February 2019. So far his petition has attracted 4,166 signatures. DEFRA will have to respond if the petition reaches 10,000 signatures. NOTE: Les’s […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://raptorpersecutionscotland.wordpress.com/2019/01/11/guest-blog-les-wallace-petition-to-assess-economic-value-of-driven-grouse-shooting/

The following is a guest blog contributed by Les Wallace, whose Westminster petition (‘An independent study to find if driven grouse shooting is of economic benefit’) is due to close on 2 February 2019. So far his petition has attracted 4,166 signatures. DEFRA will have to respond if the petition reaches 10,000 signatures. NOTE: Les’s […] from Raptor Persecution UK http://bit.ly/2FpU4g0 via IFTTT

In November 2018 we blogged about a local community in the North York Moors National Park that had called a public meeting to discuss concerns about grouse moor management in the area (see here). This wasn’t just a flash in the pan, one-off event. Some members of this community in Goathland are clearly agitated about […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://raptorpersecutionscotland.wordpress.com/2019/01/11/local-community-holds-2nd-meeting-to-raise-concerns-about-grouse-moor-management-in-national-park/

In November 2018 we blogged about a local community in the North York Moors National Park that had called a public meeting to discuss concerns about grouse moor management in the area (see here). This wasn’t just a flash in the pan, one-off event. Some members of this community in Goathland are clearly agitated about […] from Raptor Persecution UK http://bit.ly/2Fox4hr via IFTTT

Following yesterday’s blog on serial raptor egg smuggler Jeffrey Lendrum’s guilty plea at Snaresbrook Crown Court (here), he has been sentenced to serve three years and one month in jail. [Jeffrey Lendrum arriving at court in 2010. Photo by Express Papers] Press release from UK Border Force (10/1/19): WILDLIFE CRIMINAL JAILED FOR RARE BIRD EGGS […] from Raptor Persecution UK http://bit.ly/2H317Oh via IFTTT

Following yesterday’s blog on serial raptor egg smuggler Jeffrey Lendrum’s guilty plea at Snaresbrook Crown Court (here), he has been sentenced to serve three years and one month in jail. [Jeffrey Lendrum arriving at court in 2010. Photo by Express Papers] Press release from UK Border Force (10/1/19): WILDLIFE CRIMINAL JAILED FOR RARE BIRD EGGS […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://raptorpersecutionscotland.wordpress.com/2019/01/10/raptor-smuggler-jeffrey-lendrum-receives-3-year-custodial-sentence/

Have a read of Letter of the Month in the latest edition of Shooting Gazette (‘Driven shooting’s finest journal‘): He wants the British game-shooting industry to emulate the NRA, one of the most ridiculed and dangerous bastions of far-right lunatics on the planet? And this is the star letter?! Perhaps those Dubarrys should be swapped for […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://raptorpersecutionscotland.wordpress.com/2019/01/10/rattled-much/

Have a read of Letter of the Month in the latest edition of Shooting Gazette (‘Driven shooting’s finest journal‘): He wants the British game-shooting industry to emulate the NRA, one of the most ridiculed and dangerous bastions of far-right lunatics on the planet? And this is the star letter?! Perhaps those Dubarrys should be swapped for […] from Raptor Persecution UK http://bit.ly/2H1sxE8 via IFTTT

Rumours are circulating that licences to kill raptors (in order to protect ‘livestock’, i.e. pheasants & partridge poults) are being considered in Scotland. It must be stressed that these are only rumours, but based on the sources, we’re treating them seriously. Separate to these rumours, and perhaps more than coincidentally, Alex Hogg’s editorial piece in […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://raptorpersecutionscotland.wordpress.com/2019/01/09/are-raptor-killing-licences-on-the-cards-for-gamekeepers-in-scotland/

Rumours are circulating that licences to kill raptors (in order to protect ‘livestock’, i.e. pheasants & partridge poults) are being considered in Scotland. It must be stressed that these are only rumours, but based on the sources, we’re treating them seriously. Separate to these rumours, and perhaps more than coincidentally, Alex Hogg’s editorial piece in […] from Raptor Persecution UK http://bit.ly/2AE6dL6 via IFTTT

The name Jeffrey Lendrum will be familiar to many blog readers. He’s the criminal who was sentenced to 2.5 years in prison in 2010 when he was caught trying to smuggle peregrine eggs (stuffed inside socks taped to his stomach) out of Birmingham airport enroute to the Middle East (see here). Lendrum had stolen the […] from Raptor Persecution UK http://bit.ly/2Rj4ntm via IFTTT

The name Jeffrey Lendrum will be familiar to many blog readers. He’s the criminal who was sentenced to 2.5 years in prison in 2010 when he was caught trying to smuggle peregrine eggs (stuffed inside socks taped to his stomach) out of Birmingham airport enroute to the Middle East (see here). Lendrum had stolen the […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://raptorpersecutionscotland.wordpress.com/2019/01/09/serial-international-raptor-egg-smuggler-faces-lengthy-custodial-sentence/

The RSPB Investigations Team is reporting the discovery of a shot Marsh harrier. This bird was discovered critically injured on the river bank near Barton-upon-Humber in North Lincolnshire on 9th  September 2018. A dog walker reported it to the RSPCA and it was also reported to the police. An RSPCA officer took the harrier to […] from Raptor Persecution UK http://bit.ly/2SKFiEG via IFTTT

The RSPB Investigations Team is reporting the discovery of a shot Marsh harrier. This bird was discovered critically injured on the river bank near Barton-upon-Humber in North Lincolnshire on 9th  September 2018. A dog walker reported it to the RSPCA and it was also reported to the police. An RSPCA officer took the harrier to […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://raptorpersecutionscotland.wordpress.com/2019/01/08/marsh-harrier-found-illegally-shot/

The Scottish Raptor Monitoring Scheme (SRMS) is a fine example of credible, effective & genuine partnership-working for the benefit of raptor conservation. That’s probably because its membership doesn’t include any representatives from the game-shooting industry. Established in 2002, the award-winning SRMS now includes nine partner organisations (Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Scottish Natural Heritage, British Trust […] from Raptor Persecution UK http://bit.ly/2AzkYiy via IFTTT

The Scottish Raptor Monitoring Scheme (SRMS) is a fine example of credible, effective & genuine partnership-working for the benefit of raptor conservation. That’s probably because its membership doesn’t include any representatives from the game-shooting industry. Established in 2002, the award-winning SRMS now includes nine partner organisations (Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Scottish Natural Heritage, British Trust […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://raptorpersecutionscotland.wordpress.com/2019/01/08/scottish-raptor-monitoring-scheme-new-research-paper-a-job-vacancy/

The bodies of approx 100 pheasants have been dumped next to the North Wales Coastal Path nr Mostyn, a popular walking and cycling spot. It is believed they were dumped on the embankment, known locally as the ‘cob’, following a traditional Boxing Day shoot. Resident Janice Scott said: “I came across the pile of pheasants on […] from Raptor Persecution UK http://bit.ly/2C5H9MZ via IFTTT

The bodies of approx 100 pheasants have been dumped next to the North Wales Coastal Path nr Mostyn, a popular walking and cycling spot. It is believed they were dumped on the embankment, known locally as the ‘cob’, following a traditional Boxing Day shoot. Resident Janice Scott said: “I came across the pile of pheasants on […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://raptorpersecutionscotland.wordpress.com/2019/01/07/approx-100-dead-pheasants-dumped-next-to-n-wales-coast-path/