FIRECREST TOURS : Guided Birdwatching & Wildlife Days

The manufactured hate campaign against Chris Packham, long generated and encouraged by certain organisations in the shooting lobby and their friends in the Government and media, has recently escalated following Wild Justice’s successful legal challenge last week and has now resulted in chilling death threats towards Chris. The dead crows hanging off his gate didn’t […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://raptorpersecutionscotland.wordpress.com/2019/04/30/chris-packham-receives-chilling-death-threats/

The manufactured hate campaign against Chris Packham, long generated and encouraged by certain organisations in the shooting lobby and their friends in the Government and media, has recently escalated following Wild Justice’s successful legal challenge last week and has now resulted in chilling death threats towards Chris. The dead crows hanging off his gate didn’t […] from Raptor Persecution UK http://bit.ly/2UR3i98 via IFTTT

As many of you will know, last year SNH authorised a mass raven cull on the grouse moors of Strathbraan in Highland Perthshire, just ‘to see what happens’. The Scottish Raptor Study Group took on a legal challenge against SNH and the cull was eventually halted. [Young ravens in a nest in Stirlingshire, photographed last […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://raptorpersecutionscotland.wordpress.com/2019/04/30/snh-reluctant-to-discuss-licensed-raven-cull-in-strathbraan-this-year/

As many of you will know, last year SNH authorised a mass raven cull on the grouse moors of Strathbraan in Highland Perthshire, just ‘to see what happens’. The Scottish Raptor Study Group took on a legal challenge against SNH and the cull was eventually halted. [Young ravens in a nest in Stirlingshire, photographed last […] from Raptor Persecution UK http://bit.ly/2LcJuO6 via IFTTT

Over the weekend, Chris Packham received some hate mail as a response to last week’s news that General Licences are to be revised to make them lawful. In his own inimitable style, Chris shared some of this hate mail in a video he posted on Twitter yesterday: https://twitter.com/ChrisGPackham/status/1122547980639322112 A day later, this video has received […] from Raptor Persecution UK http://bit.ly/2XRywiv via IFTTT

Over the weekend, Chris Packham received some hate mail as a response to last week’s news that General Licences are to be revised to make them lawful. In his own inimitable style, Chris shared some of this hate mail in a video he posted on Twitter yesterday: https://twitter.com/ChrisGPackham/status/1122547980639322112 A day later, this video has received […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://raptorpersecutionscotland.wordpress.com/2019/04/29/chris-packham-auctions-his-penis-hate-mail-to-support-next-wild-justice-legal-challenge/

The Scottish National Party held its spring conference in Edinburgh over the weekend. Revive, the coalition for grouse moor reform, took the opportunity to have a stand in the exhibitors’ hall on both days which attracted a large number of MSPs and delegates who signed up to support the campaign. [Revive coalition members Ruth Tingay […] from Raptor Persecution UK http://bit.ly/2IPSbfh via IFTTT

The Scottish National Party held its spring conference in Edinburgh over the weekend. Revive, the coalition for grouse moor reform, took the opportunity to have a stand in the exhibitors’ hall on both days which attracted a large number of MSPs and delegates who signed up to support the campaign. [Revive coalition members Ruth Tingay […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://raptorpersecutionscotland.wordpress.com/2019/04/29/strong-support-for-grouse-moor-reform-at-snp-spring-conference/

From Peeblesshire News, 26/4/19: INVESTIGATION INTO SHOOTING OF RARE BIRDS Police are appealing for information after the illegal shooting of rare birds of prey in the Borders. On February 14, a member of the public discovered a dead goshawk on land near Abbey Saint Bathens, Duns, and reported the matter to the RSPB. Forensic analysis […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://raptorpersecutionscotland.wordpress.com/2019/04/26/police-investigate-shooting-of-two-goshawks-in-scottish-borders/

From Peeblesshire News, 26/4/19: INVESTIGATION INTO SHOOTING OF RARE BIRDS Police are appealing for information after the illegal shooting of rare birds of prey in the Borders. On February 14, a member of the public discovered a dead goshawk on land near Abbey Saint Bathens, Duns, and reported the matter to the RSPB. Forensic analysis […] from Raptor Persecution UK http://bit.ly/2Dw6oth via IFTTT

A couple of weeks ago we blogged about the prosecution of Scottish gamekeeper Alan Wilson who is charged with allegedly committing 12 wildlife crimes at Longformacus in the Scottish Borders between March 2016 and May 2017 (see here). Mr Wilson, 60, has pleaded not guilty and a trial is due to start at Jedburgh Sheriff […] from Raptor Persecution UK http://bit.ly/2Wbh9bW via IFTTT

A couple of weeks ago we blogged about the prosecution of Scottish gamekeeper Alan Wilson who is charged with allegedly committing 12 wildlife crimes at Longformacus in the Scottish Borders between March 2016 and May 2017 (see here). Mr Wilson, 60, has pleaded not guilty and a trial is due to start at Jedburgh Sheriff […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://raptorpersecutionscotland.wordpress.com/2019/04/26/alleged-poison-offence-added-to-case-against-scottish-gamekeeper/

A police investigation is underway. Legal advice is also being taken for potential action against a number of individuals using social media to incite harassment, intimidation and violence. Advertisements from Raptor Persecution UK http://bit.ly/2XIPIGU via IFTTT

A police investigation is underway. Legal advice is also being taken for potential action against a number of individuals using social media to incite harassment, intimidation and violence. Advertisements RaptorPersecutionUK https://raptorpersecutionscotland.wordpress.com/2019/04/25/chris-packham-targeted/

Natural England (NE) say they are going to consult on the General Licences.  In the meantime, NE has decided that anyone wanting to kill any of the species listed on the three General Licences which will be revoked on Thursday 25 April will need to apply for an individual licence giving grounds and evidence, as […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://raptorpersecutionscotland.wordpress.com/2019/04/24/statement-from-wild-justice-3-3-what-happens-now/

Natural England (NE) say they are going to consult on the General Licences.  In the meantime, NE has decided that anyone wanting to kill any of the species listed on the three General Licences which will be revoked on Thursday 25 April will need to apply for an individual licence giving grounds and evidence, as […] from Raptor Persecution UK http://bit.ly/2W5wk6m via IFTTT

Wild Justice’s legal success against Natural England had the following chronology: Wild Justice’s legal success against Natural England had the following chronology: 13 February – “Pre Action Protocol” legal letter sent from Wild Justice’s lawyers to Natural England setting out why we considered the General Licences issued on 1 January, which ‘authorise’ killing of 16 bird […] from Raptor Persecution UK http://bit.ly/2PzX3Wx via IFTTT

Wild Justice’s legal success against Natural England had the following chronology: Wild Justice’s legal success against Natural England had the following chronology: 13 February – “Pre Action Protocol” legal letter sent from Wild Justice’s lawyers to Natural England setting out why we considered the General Licences issued on 1 January, which ‘authorise’ killing of 16 bird […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://raptorpersecutionscotland.wordpress.com/2019/04/24/statement-from-wild-justice-2-3-how-the-case-progressed/

Yesterday afternoon (23 April), nearly 10 weeks after Wild Justice launched a legal challenge of the General Licences (on 13 February), Natural England announced that it was revoking General Licences 04/05/06 on Thursday (25 April) after deciding to do so at its Board meeting of 15 April. After nearly four decades of unlawful casual killing […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://raptorpersecutionscotland.wordpress.com/2019/04/24/statement-from-wild-justice-1-3-a-successful-legal-challenge/

Yesterday afternoon (23 April), nearly 10 weeks after Wild Justice launched a legal challenge of the General Licences (on 13 February), Natural England announced that it was revoking General Licences 04/05/06 on Thursday (25 April) after deciding to do so at its Board meeting of 15 April. After nearly four decades of unlawful casual killing […] from Raptor Persecution UK http://bit.ly/2KZ4Tu3 via IFTTT

In February this year, not-for-profit company Wild Justice launched its first legal challenge which was a challenge against the casual killing of birds permitted under Natural England’s General Licences. This legal challenge was supported by over 1,000 people who pledged £36,000 to cover the legal costs. That legal challenge has been successful and late this afternoon Natural […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://raptorpersecutionscotland.wordpress.com/2019/04/23/wild-justice-wins-its-first-legal-challenge/

In February this year, not-for-profit company Wild Justice launched its first legal challenge which was a challenge against the casual killing of birds permitted under Natural England’s General Licences. This legal challenge was supported by over 1,000 people who pledged £36,000 to cover the legal costs. That legal challenge has been successful and late this afternoon Natural […] from Raptor Persecution UK http://bit.ly/2Zv84N6 via IFTTT

In February Wild Justice launched a legal challenge against the casual killing of birds permitted under Natural England’s General Licences (see here). Natural England has yet to respond, although the deadline is looming (25 April 2019 to respond to the court and a further seven days to respond to Wild Justice, so by 2 May […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://raptorpersecutionscotland.wordpress.com/2019/04/20/wild-justice-explores-more-projects-with-top-wildlife-cops/

In February Wild Justice launched a legal challenge against the casual killing of birds permitted under Natural England’s General Licences (see here). Natural England has yet to respond, although the deadline is looming (25 April 2019 to respond to the court and a further seven days to respond to Wild Justice, so by 2 May […] from Raptor Persecution UK http://bit.ly/2vaBn9Z via IFTTT

West Yorkshire Police are appealing for information after the discovery of a shot buzzard in the Oulton area of Leeds. The buzzard was found dead. No further details have been publicised. If you have any information please contact the police on 101 (ref# 13190200712) or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or the RSPB’s Raptor Crime […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://raptorpersecutionscotland.wordpress.com/2019/04/19/west-yorkshire-police-appeal-for-info-after-buzzard-found-shot-dead/

West Yorkshire Police are appealing for information after the discovery of a shot buzzard in the Oulton area of Leeds. The buzzard was found dead. No further details have been publicised. If you have any information please contact the police on 101 (ref# 13190200712) or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or the RSPB’s Raptor Crime […] from Raptor Persecution UK http://bit.ly/2GxAlez via IFTTT

Following the news that Natural England has approved the reintroduction of white-tailed eagles to the Isle of Wight as part of a conservation effort to re-establish a breeding population in southern England (here), the project team is now recruiting for a White-tailed eagle Project Officer. Strangely, the post is only offered as a ‘Fixed Term […] from Raptor Persecution UK http://bit.ly/2GkHWMe via IFTTT

Following the news that Natural England has approved the reintroduction of white-tailed eagles to the Isle of Wight as part of a conservation effort to re-establish a breeding population in southern England (here), the project team is now recruiting for a White-tailed eagle Project Officer. Strangely, the post is only offered as a ‘Fixed Term […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://raptorpersecutionscotland.wordpress.com/2019/04/19/job-opportunity-white-tailed-eagle-project-officer-isle-of-wight/

Police are appealing for information following the discovery of an illegally shot buzzard in east Northamptonshire. The injured buzzard was found off Shelton Road, near Hargrave, on 25 March 2019. The bird was caught and taken to a vet, where an x-ray confirmed it had been shot. The buzzard is now recovering in the care […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://raptorpersecutionscotland.wordpress.com/2019/04/18/northants-police-appeal-for-information-after-buzzard-found-shot/

Police are appealing for information following the discovery of an illegally shot buzzard in east Northamptonshire. The injured buzzard was found off Shelton Road, near Hargrave, on 25 March 2019. The bird was caught and taken to a vet, where an x-ray confirmed it had been shot. The buzzard is now recovering in the care […] from Raptor Persecution UK http://bit.ly/2GkKQ3I via IFTTT

Have a look at this tweet from Duncan Thomas, a regional director of the British Association for Shooting & Conservation (BASC): Dear oh dear. And BASC had been trying soooooo hard to convince everyone it accepted the findings of the recently published hen harrier satellite tag paper that showed at least 72% of sat tagged hen […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://raptorpersecutionscotland.wordpress.com/2019/04/18/bascs-mask-slips-again-as-director-dismisses-sat-tag-evidence-as-hysterics/

Have a look at this tweet from Duncan Thomas, a regional director of the British Association for Shooting & Conservation (BASC): Dear oh dear. And BASC had been trying soooooo hard to convince everyone it accepted the findings of the recently published hen harrier satellite tag paper that showed at least 72% of sat tagged hen […] from Raptor Persecution UK http://bit.ly/2Iqcakz via IFTTT

Press release from National Wildlife Crime Unit OPERATION EASTER 2019 – STOPPING EGG THIEVES AND EGG COLLECTORS Wild birds are nesting and the national campaign to protect them across the UK is underway. Egg thieves will go to any lengths to raid the nests of rare species but Operation EASTER is determined to stop them […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://raptorpersecutionscotland.wordpress.com/2019/04/17/police-target-bird-egg-thieves-in-operation-easter-2019/

Press release from National Wildlife Crime Unit OPERATION EASTER 2019 – STOPPING EGG THIEVES AND EGG COLLECTORS Wild birds are nesting and the national campaign to protect them across the UK is underway. Egg thieves will go to any lengths to raid the nests of rare species but Operation EASTER is determined to stop them […] from Raptor Persecution UK http://bit.ly/2KKYx12 via IFTTT

‘Up to a fifth of Scotland is managed for grouse shooting’. This claim was made in a 2018 report, The Case for Reforming Scotland’s Grouse Moors, authored by Ruth Tingay & Andy Wightman and published by Revive: The coalition for grouse moor reform. The ‘up to one fifth’ claim is an attention-grabber and often shocks […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://raptorpersecutionscotland.wordpress.com/2019/04/16/up-to-a-fifth-of-scotland-is-managed-for-grouse-shooting/

‘Up to a fifth of Scotland is managed for grouse shooting’. This claim was made in a 2018 report, The Case for Reforming Scotland’s Grouse Moors, authored by Ruth Tingay & Andy Wightman and published by Revive: The coalition for grouse moor reform. The ‘up to one fifth’ claim is an attention-grabber and often shocks […] from Raptor Persecution UK http://bit.ly/2KF1yQF via IFTTT

Further to previous blogs on the prosecution of Scottish gamekeeper Alan Wilson for alleged wildlife crimes in the Scottish Borders (see here, here here and here) further details have emerged about the charges he faces. From the Peebleshire News (12/4/19) (and with thanks to the blog reader who sent us a copy): WILDLIFE CHARGES A […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://raptorpersecutionscotland.wordpress.com/2019/04/15/scottish-gamekeeper-alan-wilson-accused-of-12-wildlife-crimes/

Further to previous blogs on the prosecution of Scottish gamekeeper Alan Wilson for alleged wildlife crimes in the Scottish Borders (see here, here here and here) further details have emerged about the charges he faces. From the Peebleshire News (12/4/19) (and with thanks to the blog reader who sent us a copy): WILDLIFE CHARGES A […] from Raptor Persecution UK http://bit.ly/2UkTJ1W via IFTTT

Here’s another example of another raptor persecution case collapsing. This was published in the latest edition of Legal Eagle (#87), the RSPB Investigation Team’s newsletter: It’s so frustrating. Yes, the CPS is massively under-resourced and struggling to cope with far more serious crimes than this, so even more justification, then, for the need for a […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://raptorpersecutionscotland.wordpress.com/2019/04/13/illegal-trap-user-escapes-trial-after-prosecution-shambles/

Here’s another example of another raptor persecution case collapsing. This was published in the latest edition of Legal Eagle (#87), the RSPB Investigation Team’s newsletter: It’s so frustrating. Yes, the CPS is massively under-resourced and struggling to cope with far more serious crimes than this, so even more justification, then, for the need for a […] from Raptor Persecution UK http://bit.ly/2GeGaMq via IFTTT

A couple of weeks ago Shooting Times published an interview with Police Supt Nick Lyall, Chair of the Raptor Persecution Priority Delivery Group (RPPDG). The interview took place in February 2019, shortly after the Moorland Association, BASC, Countryside Alliance, National Gamekeepers’ Organisation and Country Land & Business Association chose to boycott Nick’s first RPPDG meeting […] from Raptor Persecution UK http://bit.ly/2ZbnWUM via IFTTT

A couple of weeks ago Shooting Times published an interview with Police Supt Nick Lyall, Chair of the Raptor Persecution Priority Delivery Group (RPPDG). The interview took place in February 2019, shortly after the Moorland Association, BASC, Countryside Alliance, National Gamekeepers’ Organisation and Country Land & Business Association chose to boycott Nick’s first RPPDG meeting […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://raptorpersecutionscotland.wordpress.com/2019/04/13/interview-with-rppdg-chair-supt-nick-lyall-in-shooting-times/

The SSPCA is appealing for information after a sparrowhawk was found cable-tied to a plastic bottle in Carnoustie, Angus. A member of the public found the bird on Sunday 7 April in a field at the top end of Lochend Road. The SSPCA attended and released the bird after checking it for injuries. [Photos by […] from Raptor Persecution UK http://bit.ly/2VBdu6W via IFTTT

The SSPCA is appealing for information after a sparrowhawk was found cable-tied to a plastic bottle in Carnoustie, Angus. A member of the public found the bird on Sunday 7 April in a field at the top end of Lochend Road. The SSPCA attended and released the bird after checking it for injuries. [Photos by […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://raptorpersecutionscotland.wordpress.com/2019/04/12/sparrowhawk-found-tied-to-plastic-bottle-in-angus/

Four ultra-marathon fell runners are taking on an extraordinary three day challenge in July, running 200km across grouse moors in Lancashire and Yorkshire. The idea is to visit the last known locations of ‘missing’ satellite-tagged hen harriers on grouse moors in the Bowland AONB, Yorkshire Dales National Park and the Nidderdale AONB. They’re doing this […] from Raptor Persecution UK http://bit.ly/2Ggt2I1 via IFTTT

Four ultra-marathon fell runners are taking on an extraordinary three day challenge in July, running 200km across grouse moors in Lancashire and Yorkshire. The idea is to visit the last known locations of ‘missing’ satellite-tagged hen harriers on grouse moors in the Bowland AONB, Yorkshire Dales National Park and the Nidderdale AONB. They’re doing this […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://raptorpersecutionscotland.wordpress.com/2019/04/11/fundraising-fell-runners-to-visit-last-known-locations-of-missing-hen-harriers-on-northern-grouse-moors/

The Peak District Raptor Monitoring Group (PDRMG) has already reported the failure of a peregrine nest in the Peak District National Park, and the breeding season’s only just got underway! You can read the group’s report here. [Three abandoned peregrine eggs on the nest ledge, photo by Peak District Raptor Monitoring Group] Of course, an […] from Raptor Persecution UK http://bit.ly/2GgdXGq via IFTTT

The Peak District Raptor Monitoring Group (PDRMG) has already reported the failure of a peregrine nest in the Peak District National Park, and the breeding season’s only just got underway! You can read the group’s report here. [Three abandoned peregrine eggs on the nest ledge, photo by Peak District Raptor Monitoring Group] Of course, an […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://raptorpersecutionscotland.wordpress.com/2019/04/11/peregrine-nest-on-peak-district-grouse-moor-fails-in-suspicious-circumstances/

The case against Scottish gamekeeper Alan Wilson continued with a procedural hearing at Jedburgh Sheriff Court on Monday 1st April. Mr Wilson faces multiple charges of alleged wildlife crimes following a police raid on a shooting estate at Longformacus in the Scottish Borders in June 2017 (see here here and here). Mr Wilson has not yet […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2HW2Apf via IFTTT

The case against Scottish gamekeeper Alan Wilson continued with a procedural hearing at Jedburgh Sheriff Court on Monday 1st April. Mr Wilson faces multiple charges of alleged wildlife crimes following a police raid on a shooting estate at Longformacus in the Scottish Borders in June 2017 (see here here and here). Mr Wilson has not yet […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://raptorpersecutionscotland.wordpress.com/2019/04/04/prosecution-continues-against-scottish-gamekeeper-alan-wilson-for-alleged-wildlife-crimes/

David Campbell, the former head gamekeeper of Edradynate Estate in Perthshire, has been cleared of all charges relating to the poisoning of game crops on the estate in April 2017. It had been alleged that David Campbell had maliciously damaged game crops by spraying them with an unknown substance which caused them to rot and […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2Ul6IG5 via IFTTT

David Campbell, the former head gamekeeper of Edradynate Estate in Perthshire, has been cleared of all charges relating to the poisoning of game crops on the estate in April 2017. It had been alleged that David Campbell had maliciously damaged game crops by spraying them with an unknown substance which caused them to rot and […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://raptorpersecutionscotland.wordpress.com/2019/04/04/former-edradynate-estate-head-gamekeeper-cleared-of-crop-poisoning-charges/

There was a feature on illegal raptor persecution in the Peak District National Park on the BBC’s Sunday Politics (East Midlands) programme a couple of days ago. You can watch it on BBC iPlayer here (starts at 21:02; ends at 25:05; available for 27 days). The film began with an interview with Tim Birch from […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2CQmgqt via IFTTT

There was a feature on illegal raptor persecution in the Peak District National Park on the BBC’s Sunday Politics (East Midlands) programme a couple of days ago. You can watch it on BBC iPlayer here (starts at 21:02; ends at 25:05; available for 27 days). The film began with an interview with Tim Birch from […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://raptorpersecutionscotland.wordpress.com/2019/04/02/basc-still-in-denial-about-extent-of-illegal-raptor-persecution/

Natural England press release (2 April 2019) Natural England issues licence to release white-tailed eagles Natural England has issued a licence to allow the release of white-tailed eagles on the Isle of Wight. The release is part of a project, led by the Roy Dennis Wildlife Foundation and Forestry England, to establish a breeding population of white-tailed eagles […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2YGSFsI via IFTTT

Natural England press release (2 April 2019) Natural England issues licence to release white-tailed eagles Natural England has issued a licence to allow the release of white-tailed eagles on the Isle of Wight. The release is part of a project, led by the Roy Dennis Wildlife Foundation and Forestry England, to establish a breeding population of white-tailed eagles […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://raptorpersecutionscotland.wordpress.com/2019/04/02/natural-england-approves-reintroduction-of-white-tailed-eagles-to-isle-of-wight/

The RSPB has re-opened its hen harrier hotline for members of the public to report sightings of this highly persecuted bird of prey: Tel 0845-4600121 (calls charged at local rate). [Photo by Tim Melling] RSPB press release: The RSPB is calling on people who spend time in the remote hills and moorlands of northern England […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://raptorpersecutionscotland.wordpress.com/2019/04/01/northern-england-hen-harrier-hotline-re-opens/

The RSPB has re-opened its hen harrier hotline for members of the public to report sightings of this highly persecuted bird of prey: Tel 0845-4600121 (calls charged at local rate). [Photo by Tim Melling] RSPB press release: The RSPB is calling on people who spend time in the remote hills and moorlands of northern England […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2JWU0IN via IFTTT

This letter was published in the Yorkshire Post on Saturday: From: Trevor Brockway, Upper Fant Road, Maidstone, Kent. I HAVE just returned from a few days walking in the Yorkshire Dales National Park. While walking between Aysgarth and Hawes, I noticed many dead rabbits beside the track. These were found 100-200 metres apart and did […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2FOlRqi via IFTTT

This letter was published in the Yorkshire Post on Saturday: From: Trevor Brockway, Upper Fant Road, Maidstone, Kent. I HAVE just returned from a few days walking in the Yorkshire Dales National Park. While walking between Aysgarth and Hawes, I noticed many dead rabbits beside the track. These were found 100-200 metres apart and did […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://raptorpersecutionscotland.wordpress.com/2019/04/01/why-i-have-suspicions-of-birds-of-prey-persecution-in-yorkshire-dales/