FIRECREST TOURS : Guided Birdwatching & Wildlife Days

Which part of ‘please stop burning the grouse moors to ease pressure on the emergency services while they try and cope with a national respiratory virus pandemic’ do they not understand? Here is further evidence that some moorland managers in Scotland are ignoring the plea for voluntarily restraint that was issued six days ago by […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/3dKwYj6

Which part of ‘please stop burning the grouse moors to ease pressure on the emergency services while they try and cope with a national respiratory virus pandemic’ do they not understand? Here is further evidence that some moorland managers in Scotland are ignoring the plea for voluntarily restraint that was issued six days ago by […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/3dKwYj6 via IFTTT

It’s been just five days since the landowners’ lobby group Scottish Land & Estates called on land managers to voluntarily halt muirburn activities on grouse moors to ‘reduce the strain’ on the fire and rescue services during the coronavirus pandemic (see here). Today, at 15.39hrs, this photograph was taken showing smoke rising from a grouse […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/2UuD5R6

It’s been just five days since the landowners’ lobby group Scottish Land & Estates called on land managers to voluntarily halt muirburn activities on grouse moors to ‘reduce the strain’ on the fire and rescue services during the coronavirus pandemic (see here). Today, at 15.39hrs, this photograph was taken showing smoke rising from a grouse […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2UuD5R6 via IFTTT

Police Scotland are appealing for information after a dead buzzard was discovered on a Scottish sporting estate in the Highlands. A member of the public discovered the corpse in woodland ‘in the Dulsie area’ on 15 March 2020 and a subsequent post-mortem revealed it had been shot. [Buzzard, photographer unknown] An x-ray revealing the extent […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2WYTLlp via IFTTT

Police Scotland are appealing for information after a dead buzzard was discovered on a Scottish sporting estate in the Highlands. A member of the public discovered the corpse in woodland ‘in the Dulsie area’ on 15 March 2020 and a subsequent post-mortem revealed it had been shot. [Buzzard, photographer unknown] An x-ray revealing the extent […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/2WYTLlp

First it was the fire chiefs, then some of the National Park authorities, and now Yorkshire Water, calling on grouse moor owners to stop setting fire to the heather during this time of national emergency. [The tell-tale pattern of heather burning on a grouse moor, undertaken solely to increase stocks of red grouse for shooting. […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2QNAP4W via IFTTT

First it was the fire chiefs, then some of the National Park authorities, and now Yorkshire Water, calling on grouse moor owners to stop setting fire to the heather during this time of national emergency. [The tell-tale pattern of heather burning on a grouse moor, undertaken solely to increase stocks of red grouse for shooting. […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/2QNAP4W

Gamekeepers have been busily setting fire to grouse moors throughout the UK uplands in recent days, despite the environmental destruction this causes, despite the climate change emergency, and perhaps most selfishly right now, despite the national/global Coronavirus crisis and the pressure this has placed on our emergency services. [A fire on Blubberhouse Moor last week […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/3bwUQ7X via IFTTT

Gamekeepers have been busily setting fire to grouse moors throughout the UK uplands in recent days, despite the environmental destruction this causes, despite the climate change emergency, and perhaps most selfishly right now, despite the national/global Coronavirus crisis and the pressure this has placed on our emergency services. [A fire on Blubberhouse Moor last week […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/3bwUQ7X

There have been a few reports in the media (e.g. here and here) about climbers and a drone-user disturbing breeding peregrines this week on cliffs in Portland, Dorset. This is an offence under the Wildlife & Countryside Act. [Photos by Weymouth & Dorset Police] Apart from the fact that there’s supposed to be a lockdown, […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/2Jd54Oy

There have been a few reports in the media (e.g. here and here) about climbers and a drone-user disturbing breeding peregrines this week on cliffs in Portland, Dorset. This is an offence under the Wildlife & Countryside Act. [Photos by Weymouth & Dorset Police] Apart from the fact that there’s supposed to be a lockdown, […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2Jd54Oy via IFTTT

Derbyshire Constabulary has published the following message on social media this evening: Derbyshire Rural Crime Team is investigating after two birds of prey were found dead in the Ault Hucknall area of Chesterfield. A Kestrel and a Buzzard were found on Monday 23 March. Initial investigations lead us to believe they have been poisoned rather […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/2xnDZpd

Derbyshire Constabulary has published the following message on social media this evening: Derbyshire Rural Crime Team is investigating after two birds of prey were found dead in the Ault Hucknall area of Chesterfield. A Kestrel and a Buzzard were found on Monday 23 March. Initial investigations lead us to believe they have been poisoned rather […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2xnDZpd via IFTTT

Press statement from West Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service (23 March 2020): FIRE SERVICE CALLS FOR A STOP TO CONTROLLED BURNING ON THE MOORLAND AFTER MAJOR BLAZE BREAKS OUT Firefighters from across West Yorkshire have been tackling a significant moorland blaze at Deer Hill Reservoir in Marsden today after an emergency call came in just […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2xlmCpb via IFTTT

Press statement from West Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service (23 March 2020): FIRE SERVICE CALLS FOR A STOP TO CONTROLLED BURNING ON THE MOORLAND AFTER MAJOR BLAZE BREAKS OUT Firefighters from across West Yorkshire have been tackling a significant moorland blaze at Deer Hill Reservoir in Marsden today after an emergency call came in just […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/2xlmCpb

At the end of January 2020 several prominent organisations from the game-shooting industry (BASC, Moorland Assoc, National Gamekeepers Org, Countryside Alliance) and the Country Landowners Association made a huge thing about acknowledging 66-year-old wildlife protection legislation and they announced a professed ‘zero tolerance’ for the illegal killing of birds of prey (see here). Since then […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/393yx8h via IFTTT

At the end of January 2020 several prominent organisations from the game-shooting industry (BASC, Moorland Assoc, National Gamekeepers Org, Countryside Alliance) and the Country Landowners Association made a huge thing about acknowledging 66-year-old wildlife protection legislation and they announced a professed ‘zero tolerance’ for the illegal killing of birds of prey (see here). Since then […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/393yx8h

Wild Justice has launched it’s latest legal case, challenging what it argues is the unlawful casual killing of birds in Wales. Full details on the Wild Justice blog here If you’d like to support Wild Justice take this case through the courts, please visit the crowdfunder page here Thank you   RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/2QtvtvH

Wild Justice has launched it’s latest legal case, challenging what it argues is the unlawful casual killing of birds in Wales. Full details on the Wild Justice blog here If you’d like to support Wild Justice take this case through the courts, please visit the crowdfunder page here Thank you   from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2QtvtvH via IFTTT

Just five days ago we blogged about the shooting of a male hen harrier on a grouse moor in the Bowland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, just across the boundary of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, that had been witnessed by a member of the public. Impressively, North Yorkshire Police arrested a suspect and he […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/33pRZuA

Just five days ago we blogged about the shooting of a male hen harrier on a grouse moor in the Bowland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, just across the boundary of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, that had been witnessed by a member of the public. Impressively, North Yorkshire Police arrested a suspect and he […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/33pRZuA via IFTTT

In November 2019, Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) imposed a three-year General Licence restriction on Leadhills Estate in South Lanarkshire following ‘clear evidence from Police Scotland that wildlife crimes had been committed on this estate’ (see here, here, and here). Those alleged offences included the ‘illegal killing of a short-eared owl, two buzzards and three hen […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/3d0qYlL

In November 2019, Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) imposed a three-year General Licence restriction on Leadhills Estate in South Lanarkshire following ‘clear evidence from Police Scotland that wildlife crimes had been committed on this estate’ (see here, here, and here). Those alleged offences included the ‘illegal killing of a short-eared owl, two buzzards and three hen […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/3d0qYlL via IFTTT

It’s taken them a while, probably because they’ve been desperately trying to stem the membership haemorrhage following their recent u-turn on lead ammunition, but the game-shooting industry is back to its scaremongering best when it comes to Wild Justice and is desperately trying to claw back some credibility amongst its members that haven’t yet jumped […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/2UeOHWK

It’s taken them a while, probably because they’ve been desperately trying to stem the membership haemorrhage following their recent u-turn on lead ammunition, but the game-shooting industry is back to its scaremongering best when it comes to Wild Justice and is desperately trying to claw back some credibility amongst its members that haven’t yet jumped […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2UeOHWK via IFTTT

Press release from West Mercia Police (13 March 2020) APPEAL AFTER BIRD SUFFERS GUN INJURY Police are appealing for help after a bird was found with what is believed to be a shotgun wound. The Peregrine Falcon was found on the morning of Tuesday 10 March near Humber Lane, close to the roundabout on the […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/2QiCIq3

Press release from West Mercia Police (13 March 2020) APPEAL AFTER BIRD SUFFERS GUN INJURY Police are appealing for help after a bird was found with what is believed to be a shotgun wound. The Peregrine Falcon was found on the morning of Tuesday 10 March near Humber Lane, close to the roundabout on the […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2QiCIq3 via IFTTT

The first ever Hen Harrier Day Wales takes place this year on Saturday 18 July 2020 in Snowdonia, from 12-5pm. This is earlier than the usual August date for a Hen Harrier Day event but then hen harriers are killed on grouse moors throughout the year so it’s great that attention is being drawn to […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/38TmUR4

The first ever Hen Harrier Day Wales takes place this year on Saturday 18 July 2020 in Snowdonia, from 12-5pm. This is earlier than the usual August date for a Hen Harrier Day event but then hen harriers are killed on grouse moors throughout the year so it’s great that attention is being drawn to […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/38TmUR4 via IFTTT

It’s been three months since the Government-commissioned Werritty Review on grouse moor management was published (see here) and we’ve been waiting for the Scottish Government’s official response, which is due this spring. We did hear from Nicola Sturgeon at First Ministers Questions in December that shortening the timescale for which grouse moor licensing may be […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/38IC5wo

It’s been three months since the Government-commissioned Werritty Review on grouse moor management was published (see here) and we’ve been waiting for the Scottish Government’s official response, which is due this spring. We did hear from Nicola Sturgeon at First Ministers Questions in December that shortening the timescale for which grouse moor licensing may be […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/38IC5wo via IFTTT

Last October an Angus Glens landowner was ordered to remove a controversial vehicle track that was visible for miles around in the Cairngorms National Park (see here). The landowner had argued the track was to support forestry works and thus he didn’t need permission for it but campaigners had argued that the track appeared to […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/2wYatpJ

Last October an Angus Glens landowner was ordered to remove a controversial vehicle track that was visible for miles around in the Cairngorms National Park (see here). The landowner had argued the track was to support forestry works and thus he didn’t need permission for it but campaigners had argued that the track appeared to […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2wYatpJ via IFTTT

North Yorkshire Police have arrested a man in connection with the reported shooting of a hen harrier on a grouse moor near the village of Keasden. He has been released under investigation whilst police await the results of forensic analysis. This incident relates to the reported shooting of a male hen harrier near White Syke […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2Q8YNrg via IFTTT

North Yorkshire Police have arrested a man in connection with the reported shooting of a hen harrier on a grouse moor near the village of Keasden. He has been released under investigation whilst police await the results of forensic analysis. This incident relates to the reported shooting of a male hen harrier near White Syke […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/2Q8YNrg

Yesterday a judge finally threw out a defamation claim against Andy Wightman MSP and a ludicrous claim for £750,000 damages against him, made by Dr Paul O’Donoghue of Wildcat Haven Enterprises, who had argued that Andy had published, with malice, defamatory material on his blog, on Twitter and on Facebook in 2015 and 2016. Lord […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/39KSwtk via IFTTT

Yesterday a judge finally threw out a defamation claim against Andy Wightman MSP and a ludicrous claim for £750,000 damages against him, made by Dr Paul O’Donoghue of Wildcat Haven Enterprises, who had argued that Andy had published, with malice, defamatory material on his blog, on Twitter and on Facebook in 2015 and 2016. Lord […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/39KSwtk

Just before Christmas we wrote a blog about a hilarious GWCT video in which Scottish gamekeeper Ronnie Kippen (of Garrows Estate, Strathbraan) claimed, with a straight face, that “Rewilding is deadlier to a mountain hare than a 12 bore shotgun“. Here’s the video again for those that missed it – it’s well worth a few […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2VZcoVI via IFTTT

Just before Christmas we wrote a blog about a hilarious GWCT video in which Scottish gamekeeper Ronnie Kippen (of Garrows Estate, Strathbraan) claimed, with a straight face, that “Rewilding is deadlier to a mountain hare than a 12 bore shotgun“. Here’s the video again for those that missed it – it’s well worth a few […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/2VZcoVI

The illegal killing of birds of prey in North Yorkshire was featured on the BBC’s Crimewatch Roadshow this morning. The programme is available on BBC iPlayer (here) for 24hrs only (persecution bit starts at 15.20 min) Well done Inspector Matt Hagen, Head of North Yorkshire Police’s Rural Crime Team for telling it how it is […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/3cG0cz7

The illegal killing of birds of prey in North Yorkshire was featured on the BBC’s Crimewatch Roadshow this morning. The programme is available on BBC iPlayer (here) for 24hrs only (persecution bit starts at 15.20 min) Well done Inspector Matt Hagen, Head of North Yorkshire Police’s Rural Crime Team for telling it how it is […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/3cG0cz7 via IFTTT

The RSPB and Devon & Cornwall Police are appealing for information after a sparrowhawk was shot in Devon. [An x-ray of the shot sparrowhawk, by Westmoor Veterinary Hospital] Map showing Tamar Foliot, near Plymouth, Devon: From an RSPB press release issued 9 March 2020: Devon and Cornwall Police and the RSPB are appealing for information […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/2TYngRc

The RSPB and Devon & Cornwall Police are appealing for information after a sparrowhawk was shot in Devon. [An x-ray of the shot sparrowhawk, by Westmoor Veterinary Hospital] Map showing Tamar Foliot, near Plymouth, Devon: From an RSPB press release issued 9 March 2020: Devon and Cornwall Police and the RSPB are appealing for information […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2TYngRc via IFTTT

The RSPB and West Mercia Police are appealing for information after a buzzard was shot in Worcestershire. [The shot buzzard. Photo from RSPB] Map showing Shelsey Beauchamp, Worcestershire: From an RSPB press release issued 6 March 2020: On 20 January 2020, eyewitnesses saw a buzzard being shot from a light-coloured [blue] van near Shelsley Beauchamp, […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/2TJla7i

The RSPB and West Mercia Police are appealing for information after a buzzard was shot in Worcestershire. [The shot buzzard. Photo from RSPB] Map showing Shelsey Beauchamp, Worcestershire: From an RSPB press release issued 6 March 2020: On 20 January 2020, eyewitnesses saw a buzzard being shot from a light-coloured [blue] van near Shelsley Beauchamp, […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2TJla7i via IFTTT

Six months after Wild Justice’s petition calling for a ban on driven grouse shooting passed the requisite 100,000 signatures, a decision has finally been made to have a parliamentary debate in Westminster. The date has not yet been decided but is expected to be within the next month. Of course, this won’t be the first […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/2VYwmjs

Six months after Wild Justice’s petition calling for a ban on driven grouse shooting passed the requisite 100,000 signatures, a decision has finally been made to have a parliamentary debate in Westminster. The date has not yet been decided but is expected to be within the next month. Of course, this won’t be the first […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2VYwmjs via IFTTT

The RSPB and West Mercia Police are appealing for information after a dead red kite was discovered in Herefordshire on New Years Eve. [The shot red kite. Photo from RSPB] [Wigmore, Herefordshire] From an RSPB press release, issued 6 March 2020: A red kite was found dead in a field in Wigmore, Herefordshire on New […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/2Tzg0fg

The RSPB and West Mercia Police are appealing for information after a dead red kite was discovered in Herefordshire on New Years Eve. [The shot red kite. Photo from RSPB] [Wigmore, Herefordshire] From an RSPB press release, issued 6 March 2020: A red kite was found dead in a field in Wigmore, Herefordshire on New […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2Tzg0fg via IFTTT

Check out this brand new website: https://henharrierday.uk  A much needed site set up to help coordinate Hen Harrier Days throughout the UK – it’ll include information on events in England, Wales, Scotland & Northern Ireland. It’s only just launched and there’s much more to come but you can already find information about some of this […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/2v4n36l

Check out this brand new website: https://henharrierday.uk  A much needed site set up to help coordinate Hen Harrier Days throughout the UK. It’s only just launched and there’s much more to come but you can already find information about some of this year’s planned events. Bookmark the website, watch for new events near you and get […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2v4n36l via IFTTT

Earlier this week this blog passed its ten year anniversary. I’m not sure how that happened but as the number of blog views approaches 6 million it’s rewarding to see that the blog stats reflect a growing awareness of the illegal killing of birds of prey in the UK. Massive thanks to all those who […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/2vJvjcm

Earlier this week this blog passed its ten year anniversary. I’m not sure how that happened but as the number of blog views approaches 6 million it’s rewarding to see that the blog stats reflect a growing awareness of the illegal killing of birds of prey in the UK. Massive thanks to all those who […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2vJvjcm via IFTTT

For the second time in recent years, a peregrine falcon has been illegally shot in Belper, Derbyshire. Yesterday (5 March 2020) Derbyshire Wildlife Trust issued the following statement: Yesterday morning [4 March 2020], a male peregrine falcon was spotted injured at Belper’s East Mill in Derbyshire and taken by a local resident to a vets […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2wwmnXO via IFTTT

For the second time in recent years, a peregrine falcon has been illegally shot in Belper, Derbyshire. Yesterday (5 March 2020) Derbyshire Wildlife Trust issued the following statement: Yesterday morning [4 March 2020], a male peregrine falcon was spotted injured at Belper’s East Mill in Derbyshire and taken by a local resident to a vets […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/2wwmnXO

[Male hen harrier, photo by Richard Verroen] Press statement from North Yorkshire Police (4 March 2020) APPEAL FOR INFORMATION AFTER HEN HARRIER SHOT NEAR KEASDEN Police looking for witnesses or anyone who may have seen something suspicious North Yorkshire Police is appealing for information after a hen harrier is believed to have been shot near […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/2PPbdUP

[Male hen harrier, photo by Richard Verroen] Press statement from North Yorkshire Police (4 March 2020) APPEAL FOR INFORMATION AFTER HEN HARRIER SHOT NEAR KEASDEN Police looking for witnesses or anyone who may have seen something suspicious North Yorkshire Police is appealing for information after a hen harrier is believed to have been shot near […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2PPbdUP via IFTTT

Huge congratulations to the Scottish Raptor Study Group (SRSG) which celebrated its 40th anniversary at the weekend. [SRSG Secretary Patrick Stirling-Aird cuts the birthday cake during the annual conference on Saturday, accompanied by keynote speaker Dr Maria Del Mar Delgado and Tayside Raptor Study Group Chair, Claire Smith. Photo by Ruth Tingay] The SRSG is […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/2PNl5hP

Huge congratulations to the Scottish Raptor Study Group (SRSG) which celebrated its 40th anniversary at the weekend. [SRSG Secretary Patrick Stirling-Aird cuts the birthday cake during the annual conference on Saturday, accompanied by keynote speaker Dr Maria Del Mar Delgado and Tayside Raptor Study Group Chair, Claire Smith. Photo by Ruth Tingay] The SRSG is […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2PNl5hP via IFTTT