FIRECREST TOURS : Guided Birdwatching & Wildlife Days

Scotland’s gamekeepers are apparently very very angry. So angry they’re going to revolt. Well, protest. But protest about what? Apparently about having to work within the law. It’s all so unfair. This is all part of the response to last week’s news that the Scottish Government has finally reached the end of its tether with […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/37mlz6t

Scotland’s gamekeepers are apparently very very angry. So angry they’re going to revolt. Well, protest. But protest about what? Apparently about having to work within the law. It’s all so unfair. This is all part of the response to last week’s news that the Scottish Government has finally reached the end of its tether with […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/37mlz6t via IFTTT

It’s always good to hear different voices joining the campaign against driven grouse shooting. And what a brilliant voice this is – Pat Kane, who found fame with this and now does this – has written an entertaining comment piece published in The National yesterday, after Thursday’s announcement that the Scottish Government has finally decided […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/3mkZf3t

It’s always good to hear different voices joining the campaign against driven grouse shooting. And what a brilliant voice this is – Pat Kane, who found fame with this and now does this – has written an entertaining comment piece published in The National yesterday, after Thursday’s announcement that the Scottish Government has finally decided […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/3mkZf3t via IFTTT

Following yesterday’s announcement by the Scottish Government that the grouse shooting industry, having failed spectacularly to get its house in order despite a million and one opportunities to do so, will now be subject to a licensing regime (see here), has gone in to meltdown hysteria. I’ll come to individual organisational responses shortly but to […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2VaRtgN via IFTTT

Following yesterday’s announcement by the Scottish Government that the grouse shooting industry, having failed spectacularly to get its house in order despite a million and one opportunities to do so, will now be subject to a licensing regime (see here), has gone in to meltdown hysteria. I’ll come to individual organisational responses shortly but to […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/2VaRtgN

Further to yesterday’s monumental announcement that the Scottish Government intends to start work immediately to bring in a licensing scheme for driven grouse shooting in Scotland (see here), there is much more to say. As you might expect, there’ll be many more blogs written on this topic. To start off though, here is a link […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/3ld7jSG

Further to yesterday’s monumental announcement that the Scottish Government intends to start work immediately to bring in a licensing scheme for driven grouse shooting in Scotland (see here), there is much more to say. As you might expect, there’ll be many more blogs written on this topic. To start off though, here is a link […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/3ld7jSG via IFTTT

In response to the Werritty Review on grouse moor management, Environment Minister Mairi Gougeon has just made the following statement in Parliament: STATEMENT In 2017 the Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform commissioned an independent group to look at the environmental impact of grouse moor management.  The group had a clear remit: […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/3697oCr

In response to the Werritty Review on grouse moor management, Environment Minister Mairi Gougeon has just made the following statement in Parliament: STATEMENT In 2017 the Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform commissioned an independent group to look at the environmental impact of grouse moor management.  The group had a clear remit: […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/3697oCr via IFTTT

A couple of weeks ago the Hunt Saboteurs Association published two secretly-recorded webinars showing some of the UK’s leading hunting personnel, including high-ranking former police officers, discussing how to avoid prosecution for alleged fox hunting. [Screengrab from one of the webinars, via The Hunt Saboteurs Association] Anti-hunt campaigners have argued that the videos provide evidence […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2V6JhxS via IFTTT

A couple of weeks ago the Hunt Saboteurs Association published two secretly-recorded webinars showing some of the UK’s leading hunting personnel, including high-ranking former police officers, discussing how to avoid prosecution for alleged fox hunting. [Screengrab from one of the webinars, via The Hunt Saboteurs Association] Anti-hunt campaigners have argued that the videos provide evidence […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/2V6JhxS

At the end of October 2020, campaign group Wild Justice secured an historic environmental legal victory when DEFRA agreed to licence the annual release of some 60 million pheasants and red-legged partridges, to control ecological damage to wildlife sites (see here). [Captive-reared poults waiting to be put inside a release pen in a Scottish forest. […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/2Jgd3xO

At the end of October 2020, campaign group Wild Justice secured an historic environmental legal victory when DEFRA agreed to licence the annual release of some 60 million pheasants and red-legged partridges, to control ecological damage to wildlife sites (see here). [Captive-reared poults waiting to be put inside a release pen in a Scottish forest. […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2Jgd3xO via IFTTT

Yet another raptor persecution case from North Yorkshire, and yet another crime committed as part of a reported ‘surge’ of similar crimes recorded during the first period of lockdown (e.g. see here and here). This time it’s a red kite that was found dying in April 2020 at Scampston, near Malton, to the south of […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2JfzJxR via IFTTT

Yet another raptor persecution case from North Yorkshire, and yet another crime committed as part of a reported ‘surge’ of similar crimes recorded during the first period of lockdown (e.g. see here and here). This time it’s a red kite that was found dying in April 2020 at Scrampston, near Malton, to the south of […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/2JfzJxR

In a bit of a surprise move, the Scottish Government intends to issue a long-awaited formal statement on the Werritty Review of grouse moor management this Thursday (26 November 2020). It will come in the form of a Ministerial statement during Portfolio Questions, probably around 3pm. The timing of this is really very interesting. Could […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/3q0lluk via IFTTT

In a bit of a surprise move, the Scottish Government intends to issue a long-awaited formal statement on the Werritty Review of grouse moor management this Thursday (26 November 2020). It will come in the form of a Ministerial statement during Portfolio Questions, probably around 3pm. The timing of this is really very interesting. Could […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/3q0lluk

Last week the BBC Alba’s current affairs programme Eòrpa had a 14-minute feature on the debate around driven grouse shooting in Scotland. The programme is available to watch on BBC iPlayer for the next 28 days (see here, starts at 00.53 mins to 14.45). It was good to see yet more exposure of this environmental […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/33e9grL

Last week the BBC Alba’s current affairs programme Eòrpa had a 14-minute feature on the debate around driven grouse shooting in Scotland. The programme is available to watch on BBC iPlayer for the next 28 days (see here, starts at 00.53 mins to 14.45). It was good to see yet more exposure of this environmental […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/33e9grL via IFTTT

It’s UK game week so it seems timely to re-visit the Sainsbury’s saga. UK supermarket Sainsbury’s is selling gamebird meat which is potentially contaminated with toxic, poisonous lead shot. The product of interest is this diced game casserole, produced by Home Farmed Venison in North Yorkshire and kitemarked by the British Game Alliance, which claims […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/2Ktkzpn

It’s UK game week so it seems timely to re-visit the Sainsbury’s saga. UK supermarket Sainsbury’s is selling gamebird meat which is potentially contaminated with toxic, poisonous lead shot. The product of interest is this diced game casserole, produced by Home Farmed Venison in North Yorkshire and kitemarked by the British Game Alliance, which claims […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2Ktkzpn via IFTTT

Last Wednesday Olivia Blake MP (Labour, Sheffield Hallam) opened a debate in Westminster Hall calling for the Government to put a stop to moorland burning, including the burning of heather on upland grouse moors. It didn’t go the grouse shooters’ way, as even The Telegraph had to admit with these headlines: It’s been a year […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/2UPqB5H

Last Wednesday Olivia Blake MP (Labour, Sheffield Hallam) opened a debate in Westminster Hall calling for the Government to put a stop to moorland burning, including the burning of heather on upland grouse moors. It didn’t go the grouse shooters’ way, as even The Telegraph had to admit with these headlines: It’s been a year […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2UPqB5H via IFTTT

A few days ago the Scottish Greens announced that Mark Ruskell MSP was putting forward a Parliamentary motion for there to be a declaration of a ‘nature emergency’ (see here). Here’s the proposed motion: The cross-party debate took place in the Holyrood chamber yesterday afternoon. You can watch a video of the archived session here […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/35HPOp1 via IFTTT

A few days ago the Scottish Greens announced that Mark Ruskell MSP was putting forward a Parliamentary motion for there to be a declaration of a ‘nature emergency’ (see here). Here’s the proposed motion: The cross-party debate took place in the Holyrood chamber yesterday afternoon. You can watch a video of the archived session here […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/35HPOp1

Press release from RSPB (19 Nov 2020) Young buzzard found dead had been illegally shot The RSPB is appealing for information regarding the death of a protected buzzard in Little Hayfield, within the Peak District National Park between Manchester and Sheffield. A local resident found the buzzard, a juvenile which had hatched this summer, freshly […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/3pEFMgi via IFTTT

Press release from RSPB (19 Nov 2020) Young buzzard found dead had been illegally shot The RSPB is appealing for information regarding the death of a protected buzzard in Little Hayfield, within the Peak District National Park between Manchester and Sheffield. A local resident found the buzzard, a juvenile which had hatched this summer, freshly […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/3pEFMgi

Today marks one year since the Werritty Review on grouse moor management was submitted to the Scottish Government. And still no formal response. The review itself took two and a half years to complete after Environment Cabinet Secretary Roseanna Cunningham announced its commission in 2017, on the back of the publication of another Government-commissioned review […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/3f8g0MJ

Today marks one year since the Werritty Review on grouse moor management was submitted to the Scottish Government. And still no formal response. The review itself took two and a half years to complete after Environment Cabinet Secretary Roseanna Cunningham announced its commission in 2017, on the back of the publication of another Government-commissioned review […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/3f8g0MJ via IFTTT

Earlier this year Derbyshire Constabulary reported the theft of peregrine eggs from three different nests in the Peak District National Park (see here). [Photograph by Barb Baldinger] Ten days ago the police wrote on Facebook that an unnamed man had been charged in connection with the egg theft and also for a firearms offence. The […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/3lGVQvx

Earlier this year Derbyshire Constabulary reported the theft of peregrine eggs from three different nests in the Peak District National Park (see here). [Photograph by Barb Baldinger] Ten days ago the police wrote on Facebook that an unnamed man had been charged in connection with the egg theft and also for a firearms offence. The […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/3lGVQvx via IFTTT

At the end of October 2020, South Yorkshire Police published an appeal for information in relation to an investigation into the illegal poisoning of a young peregrine that had been found in Barnsley on 4th July 2020. Toxicology tests confirmed it had been killed with the highly toxic poison, Bendiocarb (see here). [The poisoned peregrine. […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/3kAAped

At the end of October 2020, South Yorkshire Police published an appeal for information in relation to an investigation into the illegal poisoning of a young peregrine that had been found in Barnsley on 4th July 2020. Toxicology tests confirmed it had been killed with the highly toxic poison, Bendiocarb (see here). [The poisoned peregrine. […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/3kAAped via IFTTT

Scottish Natural Heritage (now re-branded as NatureScot) has published a new report today from it’s controversial ‘Heads up for Hen Harriers’ project. It’s findings confirm what’s been known for decades – breeding hen harriers aren’t very successful on driven grouse moors but are more successful on moors where there’s little or no gamebird shooting. Gosh, […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/38P6GMz

Scottish Natural Heritage (now re-branded as NatureScot) has published a new report today from it’s controversial ‘Heads up for Hen Harriers’ project. It’s findings confirm what’s been known for decades – breeding hen harriers aren’t very successful on driven grouse moors but are more successful on moors where there’s little or no gamebird shooting. Gosh, […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/38P6GMz via IFTTT

There’ll be a Westminster Hall debate on Wednesday 18th November 2020 (4.30-5.30pm) on moorland burning, moved by Olivia Blake MP (Sheffield Hallam). It’s been a year since the Westminster Government committed to banning burning on peatlands, including the deliberate rotational burning on blanket bog (see here). However, nothing has happened and Ministers have been accused […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/36Iak83 via IFTTT

There’ll be a Westminster Hall debate on Wednesday 18th November 2020 (4.30-5.30pm) on moorland burning, moved by Olivia Blake MP (Sheffield Hallam). It’s been a year since the Westminster Government committed to banning burning on peatlands, including the deliberate rotational burning on blanket bog (see here). However, nothing has happened and Ministers have been accused […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/36Iak83

Press release from RSPB (16 November 2020) Horror as buzzard gunned down on nature reserve boundary A member of the public witnessed and filmed the moment the bird of prey was shot out of the sky The buzzard was found fatally injured over a week later Due to its injuries the bird could not be […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2IDUYJJ via IFTTT

Press release from RSPB (16 November 2020) Horror as buzzard gunned down on nature reserve boundary A member of the public witnessed and filmed the moment the bird of prey was shot out of the sky The buzzard was found fatally injured over a week later Due to its injuries the bird could not be […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/2IDUYJJ

Press release from the Scottish Greens (15 November 2020) Scottish Parliament to vote on a nature emergency The Scottish Parliament must declare a nature emergency to reverse the alarming decline in species, the Scottish Greens have said. The Scottish Greens are set to put the declaration to a vote at Holyrood which would make Scotland […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/3pyAnXU

Press release from the Scottish Greens (15 November 2020) Scottish Parliament to vote on a nature emergency The Scottish Parliament must declare a nature emergency to reverse the alarming decline in species, the Scottish Greens have said. The Scottish Greens are set to put the declaration to a vote at Holyrood which would make Scotland […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/3pyAnXU via IFTTT

It’s been a while. For regular blog readers you’ll remember ex-England cricketer Ian Botham as being the figurehead for the group ‘You Forgot the Birds’, an astroturfing PR outfit funded by the grouse shooting industry and whose main aim seemed to be slagging off the RSPB and Chris Packham. [Intellectual heavyweight Ian Botham, photographer unknown] […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/38JqD7i via IFTTT

It’s been a while. For regular blog readers you’ll remember ex-England cricketer Ian Botham as being the figurehead for the group ‘You Forgot the Birds’, an astroturfing PR outfit funded by the grouse shooting industry and whose main aim seemed to be slagging off the RSPB and Chris Packham. [Intellectual heavyweight Ian Botham, photographer unknown] […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/38JqD7i

Article from the Lincolnite, written by Ellis Karran, dated 13 November 2020. Bird of prey had to be put down after it was shot with an air rifle RSPCA investigating the case The RSPCA is appealing for tighter controls on air weapons after a sparrowhawk was put to sleep due to being shot by an […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/3kwK8m3 via IFTTT

Article from the Lincolnite, written by Ellis Karran, dated 13 November 2020. Bird of prey had to be put down after it was shot with an air rifle RSPCA investigating the case The RSPCA is appealing for tighter controls on air weapons after a sparrowhawk was put to sleep due to being shot by an […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/3kwK8m3

Press release from Police Scotland (13th November 2020) Reports of wildlife crime almost double Wildlife crime reports have nearly doubled, according to the latest figures from Police Scotland. Between April and September 2020, Police Scotland recorded 203 wildlife crime offences compared to 111 in the same period in 2019/20, an increase of 82.9%. Detection rates […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/36zWK6S

Press release from Police Scotland (13th November 2020) Reports of wildlife crime almost double Wildlife crime reports have nearly doubled, according to the latest figures from Police Scotland. Between April and September 2020, Police Scotland recorded 203 wildlife crime offences compared to 111 in the same period in 2019/20, an increase of 82.9%. Detection rates […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/36zWK6S via IFTTT

Over the last few weeks a series of Freedom of Information requests has revealed that Scottish Natural Heritage (now rebranded as Nature Scot) issued an out-of-season muirburn licence to Leadhills Estate, allowing gamekeepers to set fire to parts of the grouse moor in September 2020. Four blogs have been written about it: here, here, here […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/38HbXWy

Over the last few weeks a series of Freedom of Information requests has revealed that Scottish Natural Heritage (now rebranded as Nature Scot) issued an out-of-season muirburn licence to Leadhills Estate, allowing gamekeepers to set fire to parts of the grouse moor in September 2020. Four blogs have been written about it: here, here, here […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/38HbXWy via IFTTT

It’s been another year of shocking wildlife crimes being uncovered on grouse moors in the UK, including the illegal poisoning of this iconic white-tailed eagle, found dead on a grouse moor inside the Cairngorms National Park in the spring (see here). [The poisoned white-tailed eagle, photo by Police Scotland] Last week, Scottish Greens MSP Alison […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/35qAqx2

It’s been another year of shocking wildlife crimes being uncovered on grouse moors in the UK, including the illegal poisoning of this iconic white-tailed eagle, found dead on a grouse moor inside the Cairngorms National Park in the spring (see here). [The poisoned white-tailed eagle, photo by Police Scotland] Last week, Scottish Greens MSP Alison […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/35qAqx2 via IFTTT

The scandal that is driven grouse shooting continues to feature prominently in the Scottish media as pressure continues to mount on the Scottish Government to respond to the Werritty Review on grouse moor licensing, a report that was submitted to the Government almost a year to the day (18 November 2019). Last week The National […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/3eSMmuF

The scandal that is driven grouse shooting continues to feature prominently in the Scottish media as pressure continues to mount on the Scottish Government to respond to the Werritty Review on grouse moor licensing, a report that was submitted to the Government almost a year to the day (18 November 2019). Last week The National […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/3eSMmuF via IFTTT

Press release from the Revive coalition for grouse moor reform (12th November 2020) Think tank claims Government report on driven grouse shooting shows the bloodsport is ‘economically unviable‘ A Scottish think tank, and coalition partner of Revive, says grouse moor management is a ‘loss-making activity’, claiming driven grouse shooting is ‘economically unviable’. Common Weal’s comments […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/3lpwKkP via IFTTT

Press release from the Revive coalition for grouse moor reform (12th November 2020) Think tank claims Government report on driven grouse shooting shows the bloodsport is ‘economically unviable‘ A Scottish think tank, and coalition partner of Revive, says grouse moor management is a ‘loss-making activity’, claiming driven grouse shooting is ‘economically unviable’. Common Weal’s comments […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/3lpwKkP

Leadhills Estate, which has been at the centre of over 50 police wildlife crime investigations in the last two decades, has had two gamekeepers convicted for committing wildlife crime offences during that time, and is currently the subject of a three-year General Licence restriction, imposed after Police Scotland found ‘clear evidence’ of wildlife crimes having […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/32sYxtd

Leadhills Estate, which has been at the centre of over 50 police wildlife crime investigations in the last two decades, has had two gamekeepers convicted for committing wildlife crime offences during that time, and is currently the subject of a three-year General Licence restriction, imposed after Police Scotland found ‘clear evidence’ of wildlife crimes having […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/32sYxtd via IFTTT

There’s a very good feature article on grouse shooting in the December 2020 edition of Trail magazine, apparently ‘The UK’s best-selling hillwalking magazine’. Written by Sarah Ryan, it’s an excellent introduction to this controversial activity and is ideal for readers who may not already be familiar with the subject (with only a few minor inaccuracies […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/2UdxE7Z

There’s a very good feature article on grouse shooting in the December 2020 edition of Trail magazine, apparently ‘The UK’s best-selling hillwalking magazine’. Written by Sarah Ryan, it’s an excellent introduction to this controversial activity and is ideal for readers who may not already be familiar with the subject (with only a few minor inaccuracies […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2UdxE7Z via IFTTT

Press release from Prospect, Natural England’s staff trade union (10th November 2020): Prospect launches second State of Natural England Report A decade of austerity with pay cuts, budget cuts, cuts to grants and a decline in staff numbers is putting England’s natural heritage at risk. That is the finding of the second report by Prospect […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/36l0fOl

Press release from Prospect, Natural England’s staff trade union (10th November 2020): Prospect launches second State of Natural England Report A decade of austerity with pay cuts, budget cuts, cuts to grants and a decline in staff numbers is putting England’s natural heritage at risk. That is the finding of the second report by Prospect […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/36l0fOl via IFTTT

BBC Radio 4’s Farming Today did a short piece on DEFRA’s new General Licences this morning (available here for 29 days, starts at 8.55 min) and this included an amusing interview with Glynn Evans, Head of Gundogs and Game at BASC, the British Association for Shooting (and, ahem, conservation). Glynn seemed a bit confused. BASC […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/36nMjTS via IFTTT

BBC Radio 4’s Farming Today did a short piece on DEFRA’s new General Licences this morning (available here for 29 days, starts at 8.55 min) and this included an amusing interview with Glynn Evans, Head of Gundogs and Game at BASC, the British Association for Shooting (and, ahem, conservation). Glynn seemed a bit confused. BASC […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/36nMjTS

In February 2019 a new conservation campaign group, Wild Justice, launched its first legal challenge against the casual killing of millions of birds, as authorised by statutory agency Natural England under the guise of General Licences. These General Licences have been published at the start of each year and have permitted users to kill unlimited […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2Ufkozz via IFTTT

In February 2019 a new conservation campaign group, Wild Justice, launched its first legal challenge against the casual killing of millions of birds, as authorised by statutory agency Natural England under the guise of General Licences. These General Licences have been published at the start of each year and have permitted users to kill unlimited […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/2Ufkozz

Way back in February 2019, in a publicity fanfare, a claim was made that a licence application to reintroduce golden eagles to Snowdonia would be submitted to Natural Resources Wales (NRW) ‘by summer’ by an organisation called Wilder Britain (see here and here). In November 2019 an FoI request to NRW revealed that no such […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/32qlvkv

Way back in February 2019, in a publicity fanfare, a claim was made that a licence application to reintroduce golden eagles to Snowdonia would be submitted to Natural Resources Wales (NRW) ‘by summer’ by an organisation called Wilder Britain (see here and here). In November 2019 an FoI request to NRW revealed that no such […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/32qlvkv via IFTTT

Earlier this year Derbyshire Constabulary appealed for information after a pair of peregrines in the Peak District abandoned their breeding attempt in suspicious circumstances (see here). It was later reported that eggs had been stolen from three peregrine nest sites in the Peak District this spring (see here) and officers from Derbyshire Constabulary believed they […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2U61xXG via IFTTT

Earlier this year Derbyshire Constabulary appealed for information after a pair of peregrines in the Peak District abandoned their breeding attempt in suspicious circumstances (see here). It was later reported that eggs had been stolen from three peregrine nest sites in the Peak District this spring (see here) and officers from Derbyshire Constabulary believed they […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/2U61xXG

Press release from the Scottish Greens following the recent publication of the latest Scottish Government-commissioned report on the socioeconomic and biodiversity impacts of grouse moor management: Commenting on the publication of a new Scottish Government report into grouse moor management, Scottish Green rural economy spokesperson John Finnie said: “It is welcome that The Scottish Government is […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/3eJbN1O

Press release from the Scottish Greens following the recent publication of the latest Scottish Government-commissioned report on the socioeconomic and biodiversity impacts of grouse moor management: Commenting on the publication of a new Scottish Government report into grouse moor management, Scottish Green rural economy spokesperson John Finnie said: “It is welcome that The Scottish Government is […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/3eJbN1O via IFTTT

As regular blog readers will know, there are currently proposals to reintroduce eagles to Wales by two organisations with very different approaches: Wilder Britain and the Eagle Reintroduction Wales Project. [Young golden eagle. Photo by Steve Liptrot] The Eagle Reintroduction Wales Project, led by Dr Sophie-lee Williams, is currently assessing the feasibility of reintroducing golden […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/3l80CC7 via IFTTT

As regular blog readers will know, there are currently proposals to reintroduce eagles to Wales by two organisations with very different approaches: Wilder Britain and the Eagle Reintroduction Wales Project. [Young golden eagle. Photo by Steve Liptrot] The Eagle Reintroduction Wales Project, led by Dr Sophie-lee Williams, is currently assessing the feasibility of reintroducing golden […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/3l80CC7

A farmer has been convicted of laying out poisoned baits in the Sierra Magina Natural Park in Andalucía in 2016 that killed two Bearded vultures from a reintroduction programme, as well as one Cinereous vulture, a golden eagle and numerous mammals. He’s been fined 4,500 Euros and is banned from working as a cattle rancher […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/3eBOMxy

A farmer has been convicted of laying out poisoned baits in the Sierra Magina Natural Park in Andalucía in 2016 that killed two Bearded vultures from a reintroduction programme, as well as one Cinereous vulture, a golden eagle and numerous mammals. He’s been fined 4,500 Euros and is banned from working as a cattle rancher […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/3eBOMxy via IFTTT

There’s been a fair bit in the press in recent days on the alleged positive impact of grouse moor management on the Scottish rural economy, following the publication of a series of new reports. Representatives and supporters of the grouse shooting industry will, of course, tend to focus on the assumed economic benefits and rarely, […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/3n1nxjc via IFTTT

There’s been a fair bit in the press in recent days on the alleged positive impact of grouse moor management on the Scottish rural economy, following the publication of a series of new reports. Representatives and supporters of the grouse shooting industry will, of course, tend to focus on the assumed economic benefits and rarely, […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/3n1nxjc

Press release by Wildlife & Countryside LINK (6 November 2020) Wildlife cybercrime is in police’s sights, but wildlife crime underworld remains mostly beneath the radar Our 2019 Annual Wildlife Crime Report gives a snapshot picture of the state of wildlife crimes across England and Wales Wildlife and Countryside Link and Wales Environment Link’s latest report on wildlife […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/3evPexg

Press release by Wildlife & Countryside LINK (6 November 2020) Wildlife cybercrime is in police’s sights, but wildlife crime underworld remains mostly beneath the radar Our 2019 Annual Wildlife Crime Report gives a snapshot picture of the state of wildlife crimes across England and Wales Wildlife and Countryside Link and Wales Environment Link’s latest report on wildlife […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/3evPexg via IFTTT

A few days ago the League Against Cruel Sports published the results of a poll that indicated that almost three-quarters of Scots wanted an end to driven grouse shooting (see here). A second poll, this time being hosted by The Herald, was opened on 4th November after the publication of a series of new reports […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/2JJjWrx

A few days ago the League Against Cruel Sports published the results of a poll that indicated that almost three-quarters of Scots wanted an end to driven grouse shooting (see here). A second poll, this time being hosted by The Herald, was opened on 4th November after the publication of a series of new reports […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2JJjWrx via IFTTT

Two days ago the Scottish Government published a series of new reports on the socioeconomic and biodiversity impacts of driven grouse moors. This commissioned research is all tied up with the Werritty Review (for which we’re still waiting for a Government response, almost one year later). I haven’t read any of these reports yet and […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/36bDbBG via IFTTT

Two days ago the Scottish Government published a series of new reports on the socioeconomic and biodiversity impacts of driven grouse moors. This commissioned research is all tied up with the Werritty Review (for which we’re still waiting for a Government response, almost one year later). I haven’t read any of these reports yet and […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/36bDbBG

Alongside The National‘s exclusive a couple of days ago about how 25 SNP branches are putting forward a motion to conference calling for an end to driven grouse shooting (see here), the paper also published a comment piece from Max Wiszniewski, campaign manager at the Revive coalition for grouse moor reform. It’s reproduced here: IF […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/3mYMQlW

Alongside The National‘s exclusive a couple of days ago about how 25 SNP branches are putting forward a motion to conference calling for an end to driven grouse shooting (see here), the paper also published a comment piece from Max Wiszniewski, campaign manager at the Revive coalition for grouse moor reform. It’s reproduced here: IF […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/3mYMQlW via IFTTT

The National newspaper ran an exclusive yesterday (see here), written by Jane Cassidy, on a new motion calling for an end to driven grouse shooting in Scotland, submitted to the SNP conference for consideration by members and supported by 25 regional SNP branches. If successful it could be included in the SNP manifesto. The article […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2UbikJf via IFTTT

The National newspaper ran an exclusive yesterday (see here), written by Jane Cassidy, on a new motion calling for an end to driven grouse shooting in Scotland, submitted to the SNP conference for consideration by members and supported by 25 regional SNP branches. If successful it could be included in the SNP manifesto. The article […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/2UbikJf

Last week we learned that Sainsbury’s was selling a new product – a mixed game casserole, made of 50% venison and 50% pheasant and red legged partridge. It’s being produced by a company in North Yorkshire called Holme Farm Venison and acccording to the packaging, this product is ‘endorsed’ (ahem) by the British Game Alliance (BGA), […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/35UclxK via IFTTT

Last week we learned that Sainsbury’s was selling a new product – a mixed game casserole, made of 50% venison and 50% pheasant and red legged partridge. It’s being produced by a company in North Yorkshire called Holme Farm Venison and acccording to the packaging, this product is ‘endorsed’ (ahem) by the British Game Alliance (BGA), […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/35UclxK

Press release from the League Against Cruel Sports (Scotland), a member of the Revive Coalition for grouse moor reform (2 November 2020) New figures show overwhelming support for an end to grouse shooting in Scotland Seven in ten of those polled are opposed to grouse shooting for sport New figures published by the League Against […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/34MzN0y via IFTTT

Press release from the League Against Cruel Sports (Scotland), a member of the Revive Coalition for grouse moor reform (2 November 2020) New figures show overwhelming support for an end to grouse shooting in Scotland Seven in ten of those polled are opposed to grouse shooting for sport New figures published by the League Against […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/34MzN0y

In an uncertain world there’s one thing you can always rely on – Songbird Survival seeking licences to kill birds of prey. Here’s the most recent call to arms, which looks virtually identical to every other call to arms going back to the Victorians, as published in last week’s Scottish Farmer: Sir, – Having pointed […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/2GjQW8j

In an uncertain world there’s one thing you can always rely on – Songbird Survival seeking licences to kill birds of prey. Here’s the most recent call to arms, which looks virtually identical to every other call to arms going back to the Victorians, as published in last week’s Scottish Farmer: Sir, – Having pointed […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2GjQW8j via IFTTT

Press release from the Langholm Initiative, the team behind the campaign for a community buyout of former grouse moor Langholm Moor (2 November 2020). Community’s “impossible dream” set to come through with success for South of Scotland’s biggest community buyout The South of Scotland’s largest community buyout is set to go ahead following one of […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/3jQz9U7

Press release from the Langholm Initiative, the team behind the campaign for a community buyout of former grouse moor Langholm Moor (2 November 2020). Community’s “impossible dream” set to come through with success for South of Scotland’s biggest community buyout The South of Scotland’s largest community buyout is set to go ahead following one of […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/3jQz9U7 via IFTTT