FIRECREST TOURS : Guided Birdwatching & Wildlife Days

Well, well, well. As predicted by absolutely everybody with half a brain, some of this year’s brood meddled hen harrier chicks have ‘disappeared’ and it’s not even the end of September. Quelle surprise! However, if you’d just seen the Moorland Association’s headline and first few paragraphs of their press release you’d never know that two […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/2m6DfiX

Well, well, well. As predicted by absolutely everybody with half a brain, some of this year’s brood meddled hen harrier chicks have ‘disappeared’ and it’s not even the end of September. Quelle surprise! However, if you’d just seen the Moorland Association’s headline and first few paragraphs of their press release you’d never know that two […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2m6DfiX via IFTTT

Press release from Scottish Greens (22 Sept 2019) Fox and Hare Bill receives almost 10,000 consultation responses Alison Johnstone MSP has welcomed the astonishing response to her Fox and Hare member’s bill consultation, which has received almost 10,000 responses from organisations and members of the public. This means the proposal is now the second most […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2lkAFpj via IFTTT

Press release from Scottish Greens (22 Sept 2019) Fox and Hare Bill receives almost 10,000 consultation responses Alison Johnstone MSP has welcomed the astonishing response to her Fox and Hare member’s bill consultation, which has received almost 10,000 responses from organisations and members of the public. This means the proposal is now the second most […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/2lkAFpj

Toxicology testing (by WIIS – Wildlife Incident Investigation Scheme) has confirmed that a dead red kite that was found ‘recently’ near Thixendale, North Yorkshire was illegally poisoned with the banned pesticide Carbofuran, according to local raptor rehabilitator Jean Thorpe. We haven’t been able to find any further information about this crime. [The poisoned red kite. […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2mFnYpg via IFTTT

Toxicology testing (by WIIS – Wildlife Incident Investigation Scheme) has confirmed that a dead red kite that was found ‘recently’ near Thixendale, North Yorkshire was illegally poisoned with the banned pesticide Carbofuran, according to local raptor rehabilitator Jean Thorpe. We haven’t been able to find any further information about this crime. [The poisoned red kite. […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/2mFnYpg

Earlier this year Wild Justice successfully challenged Natural England over the unlawfulness of three General Licences, which, Wild Justice had argued, authorised the casual killing of millions of birds without adequate monitoring or regulation. Whilst we await the subsequent Government consultation and review of new General Licences for England by DEFRA and Natural England, the […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2kLkSQ8 via IFTTT

Earlier this year Wild Justice successfully challenged Natural England over the unlawfulness of three General Licences, which, Wild Justice had argued, authorised the casual killing of millions of birds without adequate monitoring or regulation. Whilst we await the subsequent Government consultation and review of new General Licences for England by DEFRA and Natural England, the […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/2kLkSQ8

Chris Packham has organised another pop-up conservation event, this time with the focus on Hen Harriers. Saturday 5th October from 1pm at Box Hill, Surrey: Advertisements from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2maplfy via IFTTT

Chris Packham has organised another pop-up conservation event, this time with the focus on Hen Harriers. Saturday 5th October from 1pm at Box Hill, Surrey: Advertisements RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/2maplfy

As we all continue to wait for the publication of Professor Werritty’s report on driven grouse shooting, the usual suspects have been busy putting together a damage limitation programme to save their sorry necks. An ‘informal alliance’ has been created under the banner of RELM (Rural Environment Land Management) ‘to help co-ordinate and streamline responses […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/30mqbcs via IFTTT

As we all continue to wait for the publication of Professor Werritty’s report on driven grouse shooting, the usual suspects have been busy putting together a damage limitation programme to save their sorry necks. An ‘informal alliance’ has been created under the banner of RELM (Rural Environment Land Management) ‘to help co-ordinate and streamline responses […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/30mqbcs

The Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) is an absolute hell hole for many birds of prey. [Photo: Ruth Tingay] This is no secret. The illegal killing of raptors on the grouse moors of this AONB has been documented and reported on for years, by the RSPB and by this blog. The area is […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/30p6HyY

The Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) is an absolute hell hole for many birds of prey. [Photo: Ruth Tingay] This is no secret. The illegal killing of raptors on the grouse moors of this AONB has been documented and reported on for years, by the RSPB and by this blog. The area is […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/30p6HyY via IFTTT

There was some brilliant video footage posted on Twitter yesterday showing a rehabilitated Marsh harrier being released back in to the wild by the indefatigable Jean Thorpe (@jeanthorpeRR). [Photo by Lower Derwent Valley National Nature Reserve] From the information provided, it was reported that the Marsh harrier had suffered a broken wing caused by a […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2O77LF2 via IFTTT

There was some brilliant video footage posted on Twitter yesterday showing a rehabilitated Marsh harrier being released back in to the wild by the indefatigable Jean Thorpe (@jeanthorpeRR). [Photo by Lower Derwent Valley National Nature Reserve] From the information provided, it was reported that the Marsh harrier had suffered a broken wing caused by a […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/2O77LF2

In August Police Scotland published a photograph of a young golden eagle that had been seen flying in the Cairngorms National Park with an illegally-set trap clamped to one of its legs. This photograph, along with the Police’s appeal for information, went viral and was reported on news channels around the world (e.g. here), highlighting […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/31ybEXu via IFTTT

In August Police Scotland published a photograph of a young golden eagle that had been seen flying in the Cairngorms National Park with an illegally-set trap clamped to one of its legs. This photograph, along with the Police’s appeal for information, went viral and was reported on news channels around the world (e.g. here), highlighting […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/31ybEXu

Humberside Police press release (12 September 2019) WILDLIFE CRIME: BUZZARD SHOT AND INJURED – APPEAL FOR INFORMATION East Riding of Yorkshire We are appealing for information in relation to the shooting of a female buzzard. On the 16 August the bird was found injured on the B1246 between Kilnwick Percy Hill top and Warter village […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/31jOsfk

Humberside Police press release (12 September 2019) WILDLIFE CRIME: BUZZARD SHOT AND INJURED – APPEAL FOR INFORMATION East Riding of Yorkshire We are appealing for information in relation to the shooting of a female buzzard. On the 16 August the bird was found injured on the B1246 between Kilnwick Percy Hill top and Warter village […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/31jOsfk via IFTTT

Following on from yesterday’s news that DEFRA has conceded the legal challenge from Wild Justice on the annual release of millions of non-native gamebirds (see here), it seems so-called journalists from mainstream pro-shooting papers are falling over themselves to report events inaccurately. For example, this is how Colin Fernandez (Environment Correspondent!) of the Daily Mail […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/30cSXaq

Following on from yesterday’s news that DEFRA has conceded the legal challenge from Wild Justice on the annual release of millions of non-native gamebirds (see here), it seems so-called journalists from mainstream pro-shooting papers are falling over themselves to report events inaccurately. For example, this is how Colin Fernandez (Environment Correspondent!) of the Daily Mail […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/30cSXaq via IFTTT

In July, Wild Justice launched a legal challenge against DEFRA about an alleged failure to assess the ecological impact of releasing millions of non-native gamebirds (pheasants and red-legged partridges) in to the countryside every year (see here). A pre-action protocol (PAP) letter was sent to DEFRA (this outlines the legal challenge and offers DEFRA an […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/2UMJdCy

In July, Wild Justice launched a legal challenge against DEFRA about an alleged failure to assess the ecological impact of releasing millions of non-native gamebirds (pheasants and red-legged partridges) in to the countryside every year (see here). A pre-action protocol (PAP) letter was sent to DEFRA (this outlines the legal challenge and offers DEFRA an […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2UMJdCy via IFTTT

News of this year’s Hen Harrier Brood Meddling trial continues to trickle through. Yesterday, Mark Avery posted a fascinating email from one member of the Scientific Steering Group to all the others, outlining concerns about the safety of the brood meddled birds once they’ve been released back to the wild (er, yes, this has been […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/303OwPc via IFTTT

News of this year’s Hen Harrier Brood Meddling trial continues to trickle through. Yesterday, Mark Avery posted a fascinating email from one member of the Scientific Steering Group to all the others, outlining concerns about the safety of the brood meddled birds once they’ve been released back to the wild (er, yes, this has been […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/303OwPc

Congratulations to Police Supt Nick Lyall for surviving his first year as Chair of the Raptor Persecution Priority Delivery Group (RPPDG). He’s had an exceptionally busy year – and has written a blog about what he’s been up to here. [Nick filming with Chris Packham earlier this year. Photo by Ruth Tingay] Nick’s put himself […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2HUJi20 via IFTTT

Congratulations to Police Supt Nick Lyall for surviving his first year as Chair of the Raptor Persecution Priority Delivery Group (RPPDG). He’s had an exceptionally busy year – and has written a blog about what he’s been up to here. [Nick filming with Chris Packham earlier this year. Photo by Ruth Tingay] Nick’s put himself […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/2HUJi20

Last month we blogged about how Stephen Watson, the Chief Constable of South Yorkshire Police, had come under increasing pressure to improve his Force’s responses to reports of wildlife crime in the region following a number of failures to deal with raptor persecution incidents including the poisoning and shooting of protected species. [Peregrine photo by […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/2PZdL5c

Last month we blogged about how Stephen Watson, the Chief Constable of South Yorkshire Police, had come under increasing pressure to improve his Force’s responses to reports of wildlife crime in the region following a number of failures to deal with raptor persecution incidents including the poisoning and shooting of protected species. [Peregrine photo by […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2PZdL5c via IFTTT

Dr Therese Coffey MP has been promoted out of DEFRA and is now Secretary of State for Work & Pensions, following the resignation of Amber Rudd, according to today’s media. There won’t be many in the conservation world sad to see her go. Despite (in spite of?) her scientific credentials, Dr Coffey has been the […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2UGfMC4 via IFTTT

Dr Therese Coffey MP has been promoted out of DEFRA and is now Secretary of State for Work & Pensions, following the resignation of Amber Rudd, according to today’s media. There won’t be many in the conservation world sad to see her go. Despite (in spite of?) her scientific credentials, Dr Coffey has been the […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/2UGfMC4

Operation Owl originated as a multi-agency initiative led by North Yorkshire Police in 2018, designed to raise awareness of illegal raptor persecution across the county (see here), and especially in the Yorkshire Dales National Park, North York Moors National Park and the Nidderdale AONB, all known to be areas where raptor killing is rife. Earlier […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/2N1xa3p

Operation Owl originated as a multi-agency initiative led by North Yorkshire Police in 2018, designed to raise awareness of illegal raptor persecution across the county (see here), and especially in the Yorkshire Dales National Park, North York Moors National Park and the Nidderdale AONB, all known to be areas where raptor killing is rife. Earlier […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2N1xa3p via IFTTT

This buzzard was caught inside a crow cage trap on the Leadhills Estate in January 2019. It isn’t illegal to catch a buzzard in this sort of trap – it’s seen as accidental by-catch – but it is illegal for the trap operator not to release it immediately upon discovery and it’s also illegal to […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/2ZMsdkM

This buzzard was caught inside a crow cage trap on the Leadhills Estate in January 2019. It isn’t illegal to catch a buzzard in this sort of trap – it’s seen as accidental by-catch – but it is illegal for the trap operator not to release it immediately upon discovery and it’s also illegal to […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2ZMsdkM via IFTTT

This should be an interesting day tomorrow, with guest speakers including Martin Holland (Chair of Goathland East Moor Regeneration Group and a Goathland Parish Councillor), Andrew Johnson (Duchy of Lancaster), George Winn-Darley (Moorland Association regional rep & grouse moor owner [Spaunton Moor]), Rachel Pickering (North York Moors National Park Authority) and Robert Frewen (Country Land […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2HJHhFO via IFTTT

This should be an interesting day tomorrow, with guest speakers including Martin Holland (Chair of Goathland East Moor Regeneration Group and a Goathland Parish Councillor), Andrew Johnson (Duchy of Lancaster), George Winn-Darley (Moorland Association regional rep & grouse moor owner [Spaunton Moor]), Rachel Pickering (North York Moors National Park Authority) and Robert Frewen (Country Land […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/2HJHhFO

Many thanks to multi-award-winning author Gill Lewis for inviting us to share the stage with her at this year’s Edinburgh International Book Festival to raise awareness about eagle persecution on Scottish grouse moors. Gill was there to present on a couple of her new books, including Eagle Warrior, which was inspired by the suspicious disappearance […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2ZMaRjW via IFTTT

Many thanks to multi-award-winning author Gill Lewis for inviting us to share the stage with her at this year’s Edinburgh International Book Festival to raise awareness about eagle persecution on Scottish grouse moors. Gill was there to present on a couple of her new books, including Eagle Warrior, which was inspired by the suspicious disappearance […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/2ZMaRjW

‘We’re waiting for Werritty’ has been a tedious and tiresome response for months now. I wrote a long four-page article on this topic back in July, for the September edition of Birdwatch magazine. I wondered at the time whether the article would still be relevant by September because, surely, the Werritty Review would be published […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/2ZLzGwv

‘We’re waiting for Werritty’ has been a tedious and tiresome response for months now. I wrote a long four-page article on this topic back in July, for the September edition of Birdwatch magazine. I wondered at the time whether the article would still be relevant by September because, surely, the Werritty Review would be published […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2ZLzGwv via IFTTT

Wild Justice’s petition calling for a ban on driven grouse shooting had reached the 10,000 signature threshold required for a Government response within hours of going live on 13th August 2019. DEFRA has now finally managed to compose a reponse (see here) and it lives up (down) to what we’ve come to expect from a […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/32mGOB5 via IFTTT

Wild Justice’s petition calling for a ban on driven grouse shooting had reached the 10,000 signature threshold required for a Government response within hours of going live on 13th August 2019. DEFRA has now finally managed to compose a reponse (see here) and it lives up (down) to what we’ve come to expect from a […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/32mGOB5

At 7.32pm last night, less than three weeks after launching, this petition calling for a ban on driven grouse shooting secured the 100,000 signatures required for it to be considered for a debate in Westminster Hall. The speed with which this was achieved is simply phenomenal. By way of comparison, the last time a petition […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2ZyqwYh via IFTTT

At 7.32pm last night, less than three weeks after launching, this petition calling for a ban on driven grouse shooting secured the 100,000 signatures required for it to be considered for a debate in Westminster Hall. The speed with which this was achieved is simply phenomenal. By way of comparison, the last time a petition […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/2ZyqwYh