FIRECREST TOURS : Guided Birdwatching & Wildlife Days

If you’ve got a spare five minutes it would be well spent listening to this radio interview on yesterday’s Farming Today programme on BBC Radio 4. It pits Ian Thomson (Head of Investigations, RSPB Scotland) against Duncan Thomas (BASC) discussing the ongoing illegal persecution of birds of prey on driven grouse moors. It’s a masterclass […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/2LhB44F

If you’ve got a spare five minutes it would be well spent listening to this radio interview on yesterday’s Farming Today programme on BBC Radio 4. It pits Ian Thomson (Head of Investigations, RSPB Scotland) against Duncan Thomas (BASC) discussing the ongoing illegal persecution of birds of prey on driven grouse moors. It’s a masterclass […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2LhB44F via IFTTT

Ten days ago Scottish gamekeeper Alan Wilson was sentenced for a catalogue of wildlife crime offences, including possession of the banned poison Carbofuran and the shooting of protected raptors, badgers and an otter on the Longformacus Estate in the Scottish Borders (see here). [Criminal gamekeeper Alan Wilson, photo by Daily Record] Very early on in […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2LeN86R via IFTTT

Ten days ago Scottish gamekeeper Alan Wilson was sentenced for a catalogue of wildlife crime offences, including possession of the banned poison Carbofuran and the shooting of protected raptors, badgers and an otter on the Longformacus Estate in the Scottish Borders (see here). [Criminal gamekeeper Alan Wilson, photo by Daily Record] Very early on in […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/2LeN86R

The RSPB has published its latest annual report Birdcrime, documenting known cases of illegal raptor persecution in the UK in 2018. [Follow this link to find the report and additional information] As ever, it’s grim reading and also as ever, the figures represent an unknown percentage of the actual number of birds that have been […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2ZygQZs via IFTTT

The RSPB has published its latest annual report Birdcrime, documenting known cases of illegal raptor persecution in the UK in 2018. [Follow this link to find the report and additional information] As ever, it’s grim reading and also as ever, the figures represent an unknown percentage of the actual number of birds that have been […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/2ZygQZs

Scottish gamekeeper Alan Wilson, sentenced last week for a litany of vile wildlife crimes on the Longformacus Estate (see here), also had a previous conviction from 2018 when he pleaded guilty to an animal welfare offence. That conviction related to the cruel mistreatment of an eagle owl, which had been kept in ‘utterly unacceptable living […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2Pk4WTs via IFTTT

Scottish gamekeeper Alan Wilson, sentenced last week for a litany of vile wildlife crimes on the Longformacus Estate (see here), also had a previous conviction from 2018 when he pleaded guilty to an animal welfare offence. That conviction related to the cruel mistreatment of an eagle owl, which had been kept in ‘utterly unacceptable living […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/2Pk4WTs

Further to the news on Monday (here) that the Mountain hare’s conservation status has been reclassified as being ‘unfavourable’ (largely due to this species being shot on grouse moors), the usual suspects from the grouse shooting industry have been busy tapping out their denials and fantasy counter claims. For those who prefer an evidence-based approach, […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/2Pkvbcf

Further to the news on Monday (here) that the Mountain hare’s conservation status has been reclassified as being ‘unfavourable’ (largely due to this species being shot on grouse moors), the usual suspects from the grouse shooting industry have been busy tapping out their denials and fantasy counter claims. For those who prefer an evidence-based approach, […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2Pkvbcf via IFTTT

RSPB press release (26 Aug 2019) RSPB Scotland calls for immediate halt to mountain hare culls on back of shocking new report Government agency statement on status of protected species and habitats shows alarming decline in species’ population New data published by the EU revealing the condition of Scottish protected species and habitats has revealed […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/33Wj5cA

RSPB press release (26 Aug 2019) RSPB Scotland calls for immediate halt to mountain hare culls on back of shocking new report Government agency statement on status of protected species and habitats shows alarming decline in species’ population New data published by the EU revealing the condition of Scottish protected species and habitats has revealed […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/33Wj5cA via IFTTT

The illegal killing of eagles on Scottish grouse moors will reach a new audience on Friday when its highlighted in an hour-long session at the Edinburgh International Book Festival. Multi-award-winning children’s author Gill Lewis will be featuring her latest book, Eagle Warrior, which was inspired by the suspicious disappearance of satellite-tagged golden eagle Fred in […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2Hj22rG via IFTTT

The illegal killing of eagles on Scottish grouse moors will reach a new audience on Friday when its highlighted in an hour-long session at the Edinburgh International Book Festival. Multi-award-winning children’s author Gill Lewis will be featuring her latest book, Eagle Warrior, which was inspired by the suspicious disappearance of satellite-tagged golden eagle Fred in […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/2Hj22rG

Some more excellent news! Press release (22 August 2019) The first white-tailed eagles to be reintroduced to England have been released on the Isle of Wight. The six young birds, the first to be returned to southern England for 240 years, are part of a five-year programme to restore this lost species led by Forestry […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/2Zi8bdz

Some more excellent news! Press release (22 August 2019) The first white-tailed eagles to be reintroduced to England have been released on the Isle of Wight. The six young birds, the first to be returned to southern England for 240 years, are part of a five-year programme to restore this lost species led by Forestry […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2Zi8bdz via IFTTT

Great news! Following yesterday’s blog, the Langholm Moor Working Group has managed to raise its target of £5,000 to enable a feasibility study to take place which will inform a potential community buy-out of Langholm Moor, to turn it from a knackered grouse moor into a nature reserve for the benefit of everyone. We’ll be […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2TWjWWa via IFTTT

Great news! Following yesterday’s blog, the Langholm Moor Working Group has managed to raise its target of £5,000 to enable a feasibility study to take place which will inform a potential community buy-out of Langholm Moor, to turn it from a knackered grouse moor into a nature reserve for the benefit of everyone. We’ll be […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/2TWjWWa

Criminal gamekeeper Alan Wilson was recently convicted for crimes he committed on the Longformacus Estate in the Scottish Borders between March 2016 and June 2017. In amongst the long list of offences, Wilson pleaded guilty to the possession of banned poisons. According to the Crown Office (here): ‘Officers also found a bottle of the banned […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/2Zew5Xu

Criminal gamekeeper Alan Wilson was recently convicted for crimes he committed on the Longformacus Estate in the Scottish Borders between March 2016 and June 2017. In amongst the long list of offences, Wilson pleaded guilty to the possession of banned poisons. According to the Crown Office (here): ‘Officers also found a bottle of the banned […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2Zew5Xu via IFTTT

Stephen Watson, the Chief Constable of South Yorkshire Police is coming under increasing pressure to improve responses to reports of wildlife crime in the region. In July this year, Liz Ballard, Chief Executive of Sheffield & Rotherham Wildlife Trust held a meeting with Stephen Watson along with local MP Angela Smith (Hen Harrier Species Champion), […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2ZjHu8u via IFTTT

Stephen Watson, the Chief Constable of South Yorkshire Police is coming under increasing pressure to improve responses to reports of wildlife crime in the region. In July this year, Liz Ballard, Chief Executive of Sheffield & Rotherham Wildlife Trust held a meeting with Stephen Watson along with local MP Angela Smith (Hen Harrier Species Champion), […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/2ZjHu8u

In May this year it was announced that the Buccleuch Estate was to sell Langholm Moor in the Scottish Borders (see here). Most of us know Langholm Moor as being the focus of two long-term studies over a period of 25 years aimed at understanding better the conflict between raptors and grouse moor management, although […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/2ZkliPy

In May this year it was announced that the Buccleuch Estate was to sell Langholm Moor in the Scottish Borders (see here). Most people know Langholm Moor as being the focus of two long-term studies over a period of 25 years aimed at understanding better the conflict between raptors and grouse moor management, although the […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2ZkliPy via IFTTT

Joint press release from Manx Wild Bird Aid, police & local Government (20 Aug 2019) Manx Wild Bird Aid, Police Wildlife Crime Officers and the Isle of Man Government are seeking information in relation to a juvenile female sparrowhawk that was found injured at Ballure, Ramsey on the 13th August 2019. The sparrowhawk was discovered […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/30gqRfb via IFTTT

Joint press release from Manx Wild Bird Aid, police & local Government (20 Aug 2019) Manx Wild Bird Aid, Police Wildlife Crime Officers and the Isle of Man Government are seeking information in relation to a juvenile female sparrowhawk that was found injured at Ballure, Ramsey on the 13th August 2019. The sparrowhawk was discovered […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/30gqRfb

Gamekeeper Alan Wilson, 61, sentenced yesterday for his appalling crimes against protected raptors and mammals on the Longformacus Estate in the Borders (here) was a member of the Scottish Gamekeepers Association (SGA). [Convicted criminal gamekeeper Alan Wilson photographed outside court yesterday, photo by Daily Record] As an SGA member, Wilson cannot possibly claim that he […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/2ZkHLYY

Gamekeeper Alan Wilson, 61, sentenced yesterday for his appalling crimes against protected raptors and mammals on the Longformacus Estate in the Borders (here) was a member of the Scottish Gamekeepers Association (SGA). [Convicted criminal gamekeeper Alan Wilson photographed outside court yesterday, photo by Daily Record] As an SGA member, Wilson cannot possibly claim that he […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2Zkr9UU via IFTTT

In July this year, Scottish gamekeeper Alan Wilson, then 60, pleaded guilty to nine of 12 charges of wildlife crime at Henlaw Wood on Longformacus Estate in the Borders (see here). [Convicted wildlife criminal Alan Wilson, a member of the Scottish Gamekeepers Association. Photo by ITV Border] Wilson’s crimes included the shooting and killing two […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/33IGkqv via IFTTT

In July this year, Scottish gamekeeper Alan Wilson, then 60, pleaded guilty to nine of 12 charges of wildlife crime at Henlaw Wood on Longformacus Estate in the Borders (see here). [Convicted wildlife criminal Alan Wilson, a member of the Scottish Gamekeepers Association. Photo by ITV Border] Wilson’s crimes included the shooting and killing two […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/33IGkqv

You may remember last month, Chris Packham and Mark Avery had accepted an invitation to be interviewed by Charlie Jacoby of FieldsportsChannelTV at the Game Fair, only for that invitation to be revoked after several shooting organisations (including BASC, GWCT and the Countryside Alliance) objected and the Game Fair organisers were also fearful of ‘violence […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2MqYms4 via IFTTT

You may remember last month, Chris Packham and Mark Avery had accepted an invitation to be interviewed by Charlie Jacoby of FieldsportsChannelTV at the Game Fair, only for that invitation to be revoked after several shooting organisations (including BASC, GWCT and the Countryside Alliance) objected and the Game Fair organisers were also fearful of ‘violence […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/2MqYms4

This is amusing. The Moorland Association (a wealthy lobby group for grouse moor owners) has published a slick video where they’re trying to claim credit for ‘Bringing back our English Hen Harriers’ (you know, the hen harriers that have been brought to the verge of breeding extinction by, er, criminals on grouse moors). Except it’s […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2OVGyav via IFTTT

This is amusing. The Moorland Association (a wealthy lobby group for grouse moor owners) has published a slick video where they’re trying to claim credit for ‘Bringing back our English Hen Harriers’ (you know, the hen harriers that have been brought to the verge of breeding extinction by, er, criminals on grouse moors). Except it’s […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://raptorpersecutionscotland.wordpress.com/2019/08/15/grouse-shooting-industry-experts-unable-to-identify-a-hen-harrier/

Just in case anyone has missed this, yesterday Wild Justice (Mark Avery, Chris Packham & Ruth Tingay) launched a new petition calling for a ban on driven grouse shooting. The petition was actually submitted six weeks ago but strange goings on at Westminster led to it being inexplicably delayed. By sheer coincidence, it went live […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://raptorpersecutionscotland.wordpress.com/2019/08/14/wild-justice-launches-new-petition-to-ban-driven-grouse-shooting/

Just in case anyone has missed this, yesterday Wild Justice (Mark Avery, Chris Packham & Ruth Tingay) launched a new petition calling for a ban on driven grouse shooting. The petition was actually submitted six weeks ago but strange goings on at Westminster led to it being inexplicably delayed. By sheer coincidence, it went live […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2H75h54 via IFTTT

This is beyond what is tolerable. Police Scotland have issued the following statement this evening: Appeal to trace golden eagle in Aberdeenshire Officers are appealing for information to help locate a Golden eagle which was seen flying in the Crathie area of Deeside with what appears to be a trap attached to its leg. Concerns […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://raptorpersecutionscotland.wordpress.com/2019/08/13/young-golden-eagle-flying-around-cairngorms-national-park-with-an-illegal-trap-clamped-to-its-leg/

This is beyond what is tolerable. Police Scotland have issued the following statement this evening: Appeal to trace golden eagle in Aberdeenshire Officers are appealing for information to help locate a Golden eagle which was seen flying in the Crathie area of Deeside with what appears to be a trap attached to its leg. Concerns […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2OSuw1r via IFTTT

Wild Justice (Chris Packham, Mark Avery & Ruth Tingay) is hosting this year’s Hen Harrier Day event at Carsington Water Visitor Centre, Ashbourne, Derbyshire, 12 noon to 5pm Sunday 11th August 2019. Huge thanks to Severn Trent Water for their support, enthusiasm and help. This is a family-friendly event with loads of kids activities and […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2YPnRcl via IFTTT

Wild Justice (Chris Packham, Mark Avery & Ruth Tingay) is hosting this year’s Hen Harrier Day event at Carsington Water Visitor Centre, Ashbourne, Derbyshire, 12 noon to 5pm Sunday 11th August 2019. Huge thanks to Severn Trent Water for their support, enthusiasm and help. This is a family-friendly event with loads of kids activities and […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://raptorpersecutionscotland.wordpress.com/2019/08/10/see-you-at-hen-harrier-day-tomorrow/

The exact number of game birds that are released in the UK for shooting every year is not known (because, incredibly, the game bird shooting industry is virtually unregulated). Nobody even knows how many game bird shoots there are, because the people involved do not have to register anywhere, nor report on the number of […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2OXRRPc via IFTTT

The exact number of game birds that are released in the UK for shooting every year is not known (because, incredibly, the game bird shooting industry is virtually unregulated). Nobody even knows how many game bird shoots there are, because the people involved do not have to register anywhere, nor report on the number of […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://raptorpersecutionscotland.wordpress.com/2019/08/09/nearly-60-million-non-native-gamebirds-released-in-uk-every-year/

Some welcome conservation news….. The Poole Harbour Osprey Translocation Project has just released eleven healthy young birds as part of a five year plan to establish a breeding population on the south coast. This year’s birds were collected from nests in Scotland (only from broods with multiple chicks) in mid-July and have spent the last […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/31sslD9 via IFTTT

Some welcome conservation news….. The Poole Harbour Osprey Translocation Project has just released eleven healthy young birds as part of a five year plan to establish a breeding population on the south coast. This year’s birds were collected from nests in Scotland (only from broods with multiple chicks) in mid-July and have spent the last […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://raptorpersecutionscotland.wordpress.com/2019/08/09/more-osprey-chicks-released-at-poole-harbour-dorset/

The South Scotland Golden Eagle Project has been hit by disaster in an unprecedented set of circumstances. This is a project to translocate golden eagles from the Scottish Highlands and release them in south Scotland in an attempt to boost the remnant sub-population in the Borders and Dumfries & Galloway. The first three birds were […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://raptorpersecutionscotland.wordpress.com/2019/08/08/disaster-hits-south-scotland-golden-eagle-release-project/

The South Scotland Golden Eagle Project has been hit by disaster in an unprecedented set of circumstances. This is a project to translocate golden eagles from the Scottish Highlands and release them in south Scotland in an attempt to boost the remnant sub-population in the Borders and Dumfries & Galloway. The first three birds were […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2ZI6ebp via IFTTT

Last October (2018) a dead red kite had been found near Wath, in the Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), a notorious raptor persecution black spot. An x-ray confirmed the kite had been shot and North Yorkshire Police launched an investigation. We blogged about the case here. It seems that wasn’t the end of […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://raptorpersecutionscotland.wordpress.com/2019/08/08/police-warning-as-red-kite-confirmed-poisoned-in-nidderdale-aonb/

Last October (2018) a dead red kite had been found near Wath, in the Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), a notorious raptor persecution black spot. An x-ray confirmed the kite had been shot and North Yorkshire Police launched an investigation. We blogged about the case here. It seems that wasn’t the end of […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2TgIngP via IFTTT

The RSPB’s Investigations Team has launched a fundraising drive to help support more staff and buy more specialist equipment for use in the front line against the raptor-killing criminals. There doesn’t seem to be a set target as such, and donations can be either made as a one-off or as a monthly contribution. The Team […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2MM6e6E via IFTTT

The RSPB’s Investigations Team has launched a fundraising drive to help support more staff and buy more specialist equipment for use in the front line against the raptor-killing criminals. There doesn’t seem to be a set target as such, and donations can be either made as a one-off or as a monthly contribution. The Team […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://raptorpersecutionscotland.wordpress.com/2019/08/08/fundraising-drive-for-rspbs-investigations-team/

Statement from Staffordshire Police: CCTV APPEAL: DO YOU KNOW THIS MAN? Staffordshire Police’s Rural and Wildlife Crime officers have released a CCTV image of a man they would like to talk to following the discovery of the bodies of two protected birds on Cannock Chase. The two adult ravens were found at around 11.30am on […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2YIAdTB via IFTTT

Statement from Staffordshire Police: CCTV APPEAL: DO YOU KNOW THIS MAN? Staffordshire Police’s Rural and Wildlife Crime officers have released a CCTV image of a man they would like to talk to following the discovery of the bodies of two protected birds on Cannock Chase. The two adult ravens were found at around 11.30am on […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://raptorpersecutionscotland.wordpress.com/2019/08/08/two-ravens-shot-police-issue-cctv-image-of-man-of-interest/

The RSPB is calling on the new Secretary of State for the Environment, Theresa Villiers, to instigate an independent review of grouse moor management in England, similar to the much-anticipated Werritty review which is about to report in Scotland. The RSPB’s Conservation Director Martin Harper appears in an impassioned video, explaining that self-regulation has failed […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/33enDL5 via IFTTT

The RSPB is calling on the new Secretary of State for the Environment, Theresa Villiers, to instigate an independent review of grouse moor management in England, similar to the much-anticipated Werritty review which is about to report in Scotland. The RSPB’s Conservation Director Martin Harper appears in an impassioned video, explaining that self-regulation has failed […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://raptorpersecutionscotland.wordpress.com/2019/08/06/rspb-calls-for-independent-review-of-grouse-moor-management-in-england/

The Revive Coalition’s conference was a huge success at the weekend – many thanks to Max Wiszniewski, Revive’s Campaign Manager, who pulled it all together, and an incredibly engaged audience, who enthusiastically interacted with a number of expert discussion panels throughout the day. Revive will be reporting separately on the conference so for now, here’s […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://raptorpersecutionscotland.wordpress.com/2019/08/06/campaigners-call-for-radical-grouse-moor-reform-at-perth-conference/

The Revive Coalition’s conference was a huge success at the weekend – many thanks to Max Wiszniewski, Revive’s Campaign Manager, who pulled it all together, and an incredibly engaged audience, who enthusiastically interacted with a number of expert discussion panels throughout the day. Revive will be reporting separately on the conference so for now, here’s […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2YKWjkj via IFTTT

At the beginning of July the news emerged that two satellite-tagged golden eagles, named Adam and Charlie, had vanished from the same grouse moor, on the same morning, in highly suspicious circumstances (see here). In response to this news, and prompted by children’s author Gill Lewis, quite a number of people drew pictures of golden […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://raptorpersecutionscotland.wordpress.com/2019/08/03/first-minister-finally-writes-to-9-year-old-boy-about-golden-eagle-persecution/

At the beginning of July the news emerged that two satellite-tagged golden eagles, named Adam and Charlie, had vanished from the same grouse moor, on the same morning, in highly suspicious circumstances (see here). In response to this news, and prompted by children’s author Gill Lewis, quite a number of people drew pictures of golden […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2yy4jKv via IFTTT

The Revive Coalition for grouse moor reform in Scotland will host its first national conference in Perth this weekend. Entitled Wildlife, Land Reform and Environment, tickets sold out months ago, which is a good indicator of the level of public interest. 10.00 – 11.00: Registration 11.00 – 11.20:  Introduction from Revive Campaign Manager Max Wiszniewski […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://raptorpersecutionscotland.wordpress.com/2019/08/02/revive-coalition-hosts-first-conference-on-grouse-moor-reform/

The Revive Coalition for grouse moor reform in Scotland will host its first national conference in Perth this weekend. Entitled Wildlife, Land Reform and Environment, tickets sold out months ago, which is a good indicator of the level of public interest. 10.00 – 11.00: Registration 11.00 – 11.20:  Introduction from Revive Campaign Manager Max Wiszniewski […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2KdLpzn via IFTTT

For anyone wondering what’s happened to the elusive Professor Werritty and his report on grouse moor management and recommendations for reform, you need look no further than last weekend’s Game Fair. According to Fieldsports Channel TV’s facebook page, Professor Werrity [sic] was on a panel slagging off Wild Justice along with Robin Page, Andrew Gilruth […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://raptorpersecutionscotland.wordpress.com/2019/08/01/prof-werritty-slags-off-chris-packham-on-game-fair-panel-not-really/

For anyone wondering what’s happened to the elusive Professor Werritty and his report on grouse moor management and recommendations for reform, you need look no further than last weekend’s Game Fair. According to Fieldsports Channel TV’s facebook page, Professor Werrity [sic] was on a panel slagging off Wild Justice along with Robin Page, Andrew Gilruth […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2Mu7cEx via IFTTT