FIRECREST TOURS : Guided Birdwatching & Wildlife Days

I was told recently that public engagement with the Scottish Government on the issue of ongoing raptor persecution has never been bigger. For example, Ministerial aides say that now, whenever there’s a new case of an illegally-killed bird of prey, they can expect to receive about 4,000 letters/emails of protest/complaint and requests for the Government […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/37Rqbm7 via IFTTT

I was told recently that public engagement with the Scottish Government on the issue of ongoing raptor persecution has never been bigger. For example, Ministerial aides say that now, whenever there’s a new case of an illegally-killed bird of prey, they can expect to receive about 4,000 letters/emails of protest/complaint and requests for the Government […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/37Rqbm7

Just before Christmas, MSP Andy Wightman resigned from the Scottish Greens and has since been operating as an Independent MSP (see here). [Andy (Scottish Parliament’s Golden Eagle Champion) with golden eagle ‘Adam’, who later disappeared in suspicious circumstances on a grouse moor in Strathbraan (here). Photo by Ruth Tingay] Andy has just announced he will […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/3kvbmeg

Just before Christmas, MSP Andy Wightman resigned from the Scottish Greens and has since been operating as an Independent MSP (see here). [Andy (Scottish Parliament’s Golden Eagle Champion) with golden eagle ‘Adam’, who later disappeared in suspicious circumstances on a grouse moor in Strathbraan (here). Photo by Ruth Tingay] Andy has just announced he will […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/3kvbmeg via IFTTT

From 2018 to 2020 there was a large, multi-agency investigation in south Scotland relating to the deaths of ‘upwards of 20 birds of prey’, including red kites and buzzards, around the Castle Douglas area – see here and here for previous blogs. In April 2020 Police Scotland announced that a 64-year-old man had been charged […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/2NACP2h

From 2018 to 2020 there was a large, multi-agency investigation in south Scotland relating to the deaths of ‘upwards of 20 birds of prey’, including red kites and buzzards, around the Castle Douglas area – see here and here for previous blogs. In April 2020 Police Scotland announced that a 64-year-old man had been charged […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2NACP2h via IFTTT

It has been legal to kill mountain hares in Scotland for decades, although in more recent years concerns about the species’ conservation status led to the introduction of a closed hunting season as part of the Wildlife and Natural Environment (Scotland) Act 2011, which became enacted on 1st March 2012 (see here). Nine years later […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/3uHRPMz

It has been legal to kill mountain hares in Scotland for decades, although in more recent years concerns about the species’ conservation status led to the introduction of a closed hunting season as part of the Wildlife and Natural Environment (Scotland) Act 2011, which became enacted on 1st March 2012 (see here). Nine years later […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/3uHRPMz via IFTTT

Georgia Locock, a final-year undergraduate at Hull University is investigating the public’s perceptions of red kites and is interested in finding out why and how people feed red kites in their gardens. If you’re UK-based and lucky enough to live near a red kite population and you’re up for completing a short online survey to […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/3aPj5ka via IFTTT

Georgia Locock, a final-year undergraduate at Hull University is investigating the public’s perceptions of red kites and is interested in finding out why and how people feed red kites in their gardens. If you’re UK-based and lucky enough to live near a red kite population and you’re up for completing a short online survey to […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/3aPj5ka

According to the YorkshireLive website, a 63-year-old Huddersfield man has admitted stealing almost 200 wild bird eggs, including those belonging to endangered species (see here). Terence Potter, from Huddersfield, appeared at Sheffield Magistrates’ Court on 17th February 2021 charged with two counts of possessing an article capable of being used to take birds eggs, three counts of possession of […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/3uwbq1V via IFTTT

According to the YorkshireLive website, a 63-year-old Huddersfield man has admitted stealing almost 200 wild bird eggs, including those belonging to endangered species (see here). Terence Potter, from Huddersfield, appeared at Sheffield Magistrates’ Court on 17th February 2021 charged with two counts of possessing an article capable of being used to take birds eggs, three counts of possession of […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/3uwbq1V

Press release from charity Birds of Poole Harbour (23rd February 2021) World Osprey Week celebrates Ospreys as they make their spring migrations to their nesting grounds. Founded by the Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust, who are celebrating the 25th anniversary of their Osprey reintroduction project this year, the week-long event aims to enthuse and educate […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/3kmGKLP via IFTTT

Press release from charity Birds of Poole Harbour (23rd February 2021) World Osprey Week celebrates Ospreys as they make their spring migrations to their nesting grounds. Founded by the Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust, who are celebrating the 25th anniversary of their Osprey reintroduction project this year, the week-long event aims to enthuse and educate […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/3kmGKLP

A year ago, nine UK game-shooting organisations made a massive u-turn after years and years and years of defending the use of toxic lead ammunition, and said they wanted to drag the industry into the 21st Century by making a five-year voluntary transition away from lead ammunition (see here). A lot of us were sceptical […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/3qQTxc1

A year ago, nine UK game-shooting organisations made a massive u-turn after years and years and years of defending the use of toxic lead ammunition, and said they wanted to drag the industry into the 21st Century by making a five-year voluntary transition away from lead ammunition (see here). A lot of us were sceptical […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/3qQTxc1 via IFTTT

The UK’s first golden eagle festival will take place later this year, celebrating the town of Moffat being named as an ‘Eagle Town’ as part of a plan to boost eco-tourism to the area. Moffat has been chosen as it’s close to the original release site for translocated golden eagles, brought down from the Highlands […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/2ZInyyU

The UK’s first golden eagle festival will take place later this year, celebrating the town of Moffat being named as an ‘Eagle Town’ as part of a plan to boost eco-tourism to the area. Moffat has been chosen as it’s close to the original release site for translocated golden eagles, brought down from the Highlands […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2ZInyyU via IFTTT

One of the petitions under consideration tomorrow by the Scottish Parliament’s Environment, Climate Change & Land Reform (ECCLR) Committee is PE01750 – Independent monitoring of satellite tags fitted to raptors – submitted by Alex Hogg on behalf of the Scottish Gamekeepers Association (SGA). I’ve written about this petition before (here), back in late 2019 when […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/37En5Sv

One of the petitions under consideration tomorrow by the Scottish Parliament’s Environment, Climate Change & Land Reform (ECCLR) Committee is PE01750 – Independent monitoring of satellite tags fitted to raptors – submitted by Alex Hogg on behalf of the Scottish Gamekeepers Association (SGA). I’ve written about this petition before (here), back in late 2019 when […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/37En5Sv via IFTTT

Last week I wrote about the Scottish Parliament’s forthcoming Environment, Climate Change & Land Reform (ECCLR) Committee meeting on Tuesday 23rd, when a selection of petitions will be considered including several of significant interest to this blog (see here), including gamebird licencing, mountain hares, wildlife crime penalties, raptor satellite tagging, and wildlife killing on grouse […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2NvqRqm via IFTTT

Last week I wrote about the Scottish Parliament’s forthcoming Environment, Climate Change & Land Reform (ECCLR) Committee meeting on Tuesday 23rd, when a selection of petitions will be considered including several of significant interest to this blog (see here), including gamebird licencing, mountain hares, wildlife crime penalties, raptor satellite tagging, and wildlife killing on grouse […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/2NvqRqm

Another new article, another new audience. This time it’s an article published yesterday on Mancunian Matters, an online news website covering the Greater Manchester region. Journalist Deniz Kose focuses attention on the work of local group Moorland Monitors, who describe themselves as a ‘grassroots community network working to protect persecuted wild species and wild spaces […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/2ZyahJ4

Another new article, another new audience. This time it’s an article published yesterday on Mancunian Matters, an online news website covering the Greater Manchester region. Journalist Deniz Kose focuses attention on the work of local group Moorland Monitors, who describe themselves as a ‘grassroots community network working to protect persecuted wild species and wild spaces […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2ZyahJ4 via IFTTT

More and more, we’re seeing local residents and moorland communities finding courage and speaking out against the grouse shooting culture and its associated criminality that dominates and damages their daily lives. We’ve heard from local communities in the Yorkshire Dales National Park (see here and here), from a community in the Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (see here), […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2Nh9r0U via IFTTT

More and more, we’re seeing local residents and moorland communities finding courage and speaking out against the the grouse shooting culture and its associated criminality that dominates and damages their daily lives. We’ve heard from local communities in the Yorkshire Dales National Park (see here and here), from a community in the Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/2Nh9r0U

A trial date has been set after a 60-year-old man pleaded not guilty yesterday to charges relating to the alleged theft of peregrine eggs in the Peak District National Park in Derbyshire last spring (see here). Proceedings were brought following an investigation by Derbyshire Constabulary, supported by video evidence provided by the RSPB. A trial […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/3aCn6sf via IFTTT

A trial date has been set after a 60-year-old man pleaded not guilty yesterday to charges relating to the alleged theft of peregrine eggs in the Peak District National Park in Derbyshire last spring (see here). Proceedings were brought following an investigation by Derbyshire Constabulary, supported by video evidence provided by the RSPB. A trial […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/3aCn6sf

WARNING: For those of a sensitive disposition this post will contain examples of grossly offensive material so if you’re likely to get upset by reading it I’d suggest you don’t go any further than this point. Today’s post is a follow-on from last week’s post (Gamekeepers lead disgusting hate campaign against conservationists (1)) where I documented […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/3k8OMb5

WARNING: For those of a sensitive disposition this post will contain examples of grossly offensive material so if you’re likely to get upset by reading it I’d suggest you don’t go any further than this point. Today’s post is a follow-on from last week’s post (Gamekeepers lead disgusting hate campaign against conservationists (1)) where I documented […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/3k8OMb5 via IFTTT

Police Scotland have confirmed the discovery of the banned poison Carbofuran on Leadhills Estate, a grouse-shooting estate in South Lanarkshire that has been at the centre of police wildlife crime investigations at least 70 times since the early 2000s. The highly dangerous poison, which even in tiny amounts can kill humans and animals, was discovered […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/2ZuUgUg

Police Scotland have confirmed the discovery of the banned poison Carbofuran on Leadhills Estate, a grouse-shooting estate in South Lanarkshire that has been at the centre of police wildlife crime investigations at least 70 times since the early 2000s. The highly dangerous poison, which even in tiny amounts can kill humans and animals, was discovered […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2ZuUgUg via IFTTT

A number of petitions, some of which have been live for several years and are of significant interest, will be considered next week at the Scottish Parliament. The cross-party Environment, Climate Change, and Land Reform Committee (ECCLR) will be reviewing the status of these petitions that had previously been forwarded by the Petitions Committee. As […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/3dscu0V

A number of petitions, some of which have been live for several years and are of significant interest, will be considered next week at the Scottish Parliament. The cross-party Environment, Climate Change, and Land Reform Committee (ECCLR) will be reviewing the status of these petitions that had previously been forwarded by the Petitions Committee. As […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/3dscu0V via IFTTT

The National Wildlife Crime Unit (NWCU) is recruiting for a senior police officer to Chair the Raptor Persecution Priority Delivery Group (RPPDG). This is a poisoned chalice if ever there was one. There are Priority Delivery Groups for the various National Wildlife Crime Priorities (e.g. raptor persecution, badger persecution, bat persecution, CITES, Freshwater pearl mussels […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/3u9y7ss

The National Wildlife Crime Unit (NWCU) is recruiting for a senior police officer to Chair the Raptor Persecution Priority Delivery Group (RPPDG). This is a poisoned chalice if ever there was one. There are Priority Delivery Groups for the various National Wildlife Crime Priorities (e.g. raptor persecution, badger persecution, bat persecution, CITES, Freshwater pearl mussels […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/3u9y7ss via IFTTT

At the end of January, DEFRA published a long-awaited statement on its proposal to ban burning on moorland (see here), although the proposal was heavily criticised as not going far enough and analysis by Guy Shrubsole demonstrated that many grouse moors would be exempt from the ban (see here). [Photo by Tim Melling] Today, the […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/3dcZXOG via IFTTT

At the end of January, DEFRA published a long-awaited statement on its proposal to ban burning on moorland (see here), although the proposal was heavily criticised as not going far enough and analysis by Guy Shrubsole demonstrated that many grouse moors would be exempt from the ban (see here). [Photo by Tim Melling] Today, the […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/3dcZXOG

Last October Sainsbury’s started to sell gamebirds from a supplier in North Yorkshire, but has repeatedly refused to address customers’ concerns about the provenance of those pheasants and partridges, i.e. on which estates were they shot and what are those estates’ environmental credentials? Sainsbury’s also claims, apparently without testing, that the gamebird meat it’s selling […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/3pmMTsy

Last October Sainsbury’s started to sell gamebirds from a supplier in North Yorkshire, but has repeatedly refused to address customers’ concerns about the provenance of those pheasants and partridges, i.e. on which estates were they shot and what are those estates’ environmental credentials? Sainsbury’s also claims, apparently without testing, that the gamebird meat it’s selling […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/3pmMTsy via IFTTT

Last November, the Scottish Government finally reached the end of its tether with the criminality and environmental damage associated with driven grouse shooting and announced its intention to bring in a licensing scheme for grouse shooting estates (see here). In response, the Scottish Gamekeepers Association (SGA) went in to an enraged meltdown and announced its […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/3ddASmL

Last November, the Scottish Government finally reached the end of its tether with the criminality and environmental damage associated with driven grouse shooting and announced its intention to bring in a licensing scheme for grouse shooting estates (see here). In response, the Scottish Gamekeepers Association (SGA) went in to an enraged meltdown and announced its […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/3ddASmL via IFTTT

According to Tim (Kim) Baynes, Director of landowners’ lobby group Scottish Land & Estates, there is “very little evidence” of ongoing raptor persecution in Scotland. It’s a bare-faced denial that Baynes and his grouse shooting pals have been making for years e.g. see here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here and here […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/3u01X2P via IFTTT

According to Tim (Kim) Baynes, Director of landowners’ lobby group Scottish Land & Estates, there is “very little evidence” of ongoing raptor persecution in Scotland. It’s a bare-faced denial that Baynes and his grouse shooting pals have been making for years e.g. see here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here and here […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/3u01X2P

Some more blogs that you might find of interest: Parkswatch Scotland: A stinking hole near the heart of the Cairngorms National Park (here) Rob Sheldon: Sainsbury’s, obfuscation and toxic lead: Day 74 (here) League Against Cruel Sports: Director of MFHA charged over webinar (here) Mark Avery: No peregrines taken for ‘falconry’ this year – NE […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/2ZdL2LU

Some more blogs that you might find of interest: Parkswatch Scotland: A stinking hole near the heart of the Cairngorms National Park (here) Rob Sheldon: Sainsbury’s, obfuscation and toxic lead: Day 74 (here) League Against Cruel Sports: Director of MFHA charged over webinar (here) Mark Avery: No peregrines taken for ‘falconry’ this year – NE […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2ZdL2LU via IFTTT

Wild Justice celebrates its second birthday today! Many thanks to the readers of this blog who have supported WJ – work is already underway on several new projects. Please visit the Wild Justice blog for news of these (see here). from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/3pivD7N via IFTTT

Wild Justice celebrates its second birthday today! Many thanks to the readers of this blog who have supported WJ – work is already underway on several new projects. Please visit the Wild Justice blog for news of these (see here). RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/3pivD7N

In December 2019, a total of 23 buzzards were reported to have been illegally poisoned with the banned pesticide Carbofuran in a single incident in Co. Cork, Ireland. This news wasn’t made public until May 2020 when the Irish Raptor Study Group partnered with Birdwatch Ireland to issue a joint statement criticising the lack of […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/378QwvG

In December 2019, a total of 23 buzzards were reported to have been illegally poisoned with the banned pesticide Carbofuran in a single incident in Co. Cork, Ireland. This news wasn’t made public until May 2020 when the Irish Raptor Study Group partnered with Birdwatch Ireland to issue a joint statement criticising the lack of […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/378QwvG via IFTTT

The Langholm Initiative (the organisation behind the successful community buy-out at Langholm Moor) is reminding job applicants that the deadline is looming for the recruitment of two managers to take the lead on transforming the old grouse moor in to the new Tarras Valley Nature Reserve. This is a fantastic opportunity to be part of […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/3padN6B

The Langholm Initiative (the organisation behind the successful community buy-out at Langholm Moor) is reminding job applicants that the deadline is looming for the recruitment of two managers to take the lead on transforming the old grouse moor in to the new Tarras Valley Nature Reserve. This is a fantastic opportunity to be part of […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/3padN6B via IFTTT

WARNING: For those of a sensitive disposition this post will contain examples of grossly offensive material so if you’re likely to get upset by reading it I’d suggest you don’t go any further than this point. Today’s post is a follow-on from yesterday’s post (With straight faces, gamekeepers complain about abuse) and it’s recommended you […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/3jEFvaB

WARNING: For those of a sensitive disposition this post will contain examples of grossly offensive material so if you’re likely to get upset by reading it I’d suggest you don’t go any further than this point. Today’s post is a follow-on from yesterday’s post (With straight faces, gamekeepers complain about abuse) and it’s recommended you […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/3jEFvaB via IFTTT

Is this the most ridiculous shooting-industry propaganda narrative ever? It’s got some stiff competition, to be fair. Over the years we’ve seen the industry endeavour to clean up its public-facing image, superficially at least, and make some pretty outlandish (and largely unsubstantiated) claims about how welcome raptors are on game shooting estates, but all to […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/3p6MytP via IFTTT

Is this the most ridiculous shooting-industry propaganda narrative ever? It’s got some stiff competition, to be fair. Over the years we’ve seen the industry endeavour to clean up its public-facing image, superficially at least, and make some pretty outlandish (and largely unsubstantiated) claims about how welcome raptors are on game shooting estates, but all to […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/3p6MytP

Press release from Humberside Police (9th February 2021) Rural Task Force – East Riding of Yorkshire Protecting our rural communities, wildlife and heritage Humberside Police have set up a new dedicated unit focusing on tackling rural, wildlife and heritage crimes within the East Riding of Yorkshire. The Rural Task Force will be based at Driffield Police Station, […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/3aTC0cx via IFTTT

Press release from Humberside Police (9th February 2021) Rural Task Force – East Riding of Yorkshire Protecting our rural communities, wildlife and heritage Humberside Police have set up a new dedicated unit focusing on tackling rural, wildlife and heritage crimes within the East Riding of Yorkshire. The Rural Task Force will be based at Driffield Police Station, […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/3aTC0cx

In September Wild Justice launched a new e-petition calling on Natural England to ban the shooting of badgers as part of DEFRA’s badger cull. Over the weekend the petition passed 100,000 signatures, the amount needed to trigger a debate at Westminster Hall. Many thanks to the blog readers who supported this petition – it’s off-topic, […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/2N5Q7D8

In September Wild Justice launched a new e-petition calling on Natural England to ban the shooting of badgers as part of DEFRA’s badger cull. Over the weekend the petition passed 100,000 signatures, the amount needed to trigger a debate at Westminster Hall. Many thanks to the blog readers who supported this petition – it’s off-topic, […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2N5Q7D8 via IFTTT

Here is yet another grisly account of a buzzard being illegally shot in the UK, just four days after the last one was reported. That one was in Cambridgeshire, this one was in neighbouring Bedfordshire. According to social media reports by South Essex Wildlife Hospital, an injured buzzard was brought to them by an RSPCA […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/3rzy7QK

Here is yet another grisly account of a buzzard being illegally shot in the UK, just four days after the last one was reported. That one was in Cambridgeshire, this one was in neighbouring Bedfordshire. According to social media reports by South Essex Wildlife Hospital, an injured buzzard was brought to them by an RSPCA […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/3rzy7QK via IFTTT

A proposal to consider the reintroduction of white-tailed eagles to Norfolk has been making the news for a couple of weeks now, ever since the Wild Ken Estate launched a public consultation, backed by a number of local landowners, to gauge opinion and support (see here). Not wanting to miss an opportunity for a bit […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/3cLaeS1

A proposal to consider the reintroduction of white-tailed eagles to Norfolk has been making the news for a couple of weeks now, ever since the Wild Ken Estate launched a public consultation, backed by a number of local landowners, to gauge opinion and support (see here). Not wanting to miss an opportunity for a bit […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/3cLaeS1 via IFTTT

I’d wager that the subject of the illegal killing of hen harriers on driven grouse moors has been discussed many times in the House of Lords, probably on the terrace bar and probably accompanied by some hearty back-slapping, sniggering and cheering. [Photo by Ruth Tingay] Fortunately, the hen harrier does have some friends in high […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/39W8oeY via IFTTT

I’d wager that the subject of the illegal killing of hen harriers on driven grouse moors has been discussed many times in the House of Lords, probably on the terrace bar and probably accompanied by some hearty back-slapping, sniggering and cheering. [Photo by Ruth Tingay] Fortunately, the hen harrier does have some friends in high […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/39W8oeY

Last week DEFRA published its long-awaited statement on proposed new legislation to ban burning on moorland (see here). The statement included this: ‘The new regulations will prevent the burning of any specified vegetation on areas of deep peat (over 40cm depth) on a Site of Special Scientific Interest [SSSI] that is also a Special Area […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2NYbeHV via IFTTT

Last week DEFRA published its long-awaited statement on proposed new legislation to ban burning on moorland (see here). The statement included this: ‘The new regulations will prevent the burning of any specified vegetation on areas of deep peat (over 40cm depth) on a Site of Special Scientific Interest [SSSI] that is also a Special Area […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/2NYbeHV

Landowners could be barred from buying country estates or forced to sell off land if they are accused of neglect or abuse of power under proposals being studied by Scottish ministers. The Scottish Land Commission (SLC), an influential advisory body, has recommended that all large or important land sales in Scotland should be subject to a legally […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/3cFwxII

Landowners could be barred from buying country estates or forced to sell off land if they are accused of neglect or abuse of power under proposals being studied by Scottish ministers. The Scottish Land Commission (SLC), an influential advisory body, has recommended that all large or important land sales in Scotland should be subject to a legally […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/3cFwxII via IFTTT

Press release from Cambridge Constabulary (4th February 2021) Buzzard found shot in Horseheath Police are appealing for information after a buzzard was found dead in Horseheath. A member of the public found the bird of prey in a wooded area while on a walk on 29 January. Cambridgeshire Constabulary’s Rural Crime Action Team (RCAT) are […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/3jhzdxr

Press release from Cambridge Constabulary (4th February 2021) Buzzard found shot in Horseheath Police are appealing for information after a buzzard was found dead in Horseheath. A member of the public found the bird of prey in a wooded area while on a walk on 29 January. Cambridgeshire Constabulary’s Rural Crime Action Team (RCAT) are […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/3jhzdxr via IFTTT

Bob Berzins is a conservation campaigner who has spent a number of years highlighting the ecological damage caused by grouse-shooting interests on the moors of the Peak District National Park (e.g. see guest blogs he’s written for Mark Avery here, here, here, here, here, here, here and here). Regular blog readers will be well aware […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/36GZvE5 via IFTTT

Bob Berzins is a conservation campaigner who has spent a number of years highlighting the ecological damage caused by grouse-shooting interests on the moors of the Peak District National Park (e.g. see guest blogs he’s written for Mark Avery here, here, here, here, here, here, here and here). Regular blog readers will be well aware […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/36GZvE5

Somebody sent me a screen grab the other day of a statement posted on social media by the Southern Uplands Moorland Group (SUMG), which is one of a number of regional groups representing grouse moor estates around the country and designed to persuade the public that birds of prey are warmly welcomed and that gamekeepers […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/36IPVRn

Somebody sent me a screen grab the other day of a statement posted on social media by the Southern Uplands Moorland Group (SUMG), which is one of a number of regional groups representing grouse moor estates around the country and designed to persuade the public that birds of prey are warmly welcomed and that gamekeepers […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/36IPVRn via IFTTT

It’s usually the Scottish Gamekeepers Association making complete fools of themselves with wildly hysterical claims about the ‘damage’ that raptors might do to babies and toddlers, but never far behind is the massively ecologically-illiterate charity, Songbird Survival (SS). The SS Chairman, Colin Strang Steel, is no stranger to these blog pages (e.g. see here and […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/39JC9zD

It’s usually the Scottish Gamekeepers Association making complete fools of themselves with wildly hysterical claims about the ‘damage’ that raptors might do to babies and toddlers, but never far behind is the massively ecologically-illiterate charity, Songbird Survival (SS). The SS Chairman, Colin Strang Steel, is no stranger to these blog pages (e.g. see here and […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/39JC9zD via IFTTT

The Scottish SPCA and Police Scotland, along with other partners, have undertaken a search on a Scottish grouse shooting estate following reports of alleged wildlife crimes. The multi-agency raid took place in November 2020. A Scottish SPCA special investigations unit chief inspector, who cannot be named due to undercover work, said: “The Scottish SPCA is […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/3r8XTea

The Scottish SPCA and Police Scotland, along with other partners, have undertaken a search on a Scottish grouse shooting estate following reports of alleged wildlife crimes. The multi-agency raid took place in November 2020. A Scottish SPCA special investigations unit chief inspector, who cannot be named due to undercover work, said: “The Scottish SPCA is […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/3r8XTea via IFTTT

Press release from Birds of Poole Harbour and the Self-Isolating Bird Club (2nd February 2021) On April 10th 2021 Dorset-based charity Birds of Poole Harbour, in partnership with Chris Packham and Megan McCubbin’s Self Isolating Bird Club, will host the first ever Reintroduction and Rewilding Summit, an event aimed to educate and inspire the public […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/3cvZhDx

Press release from Birds of Poole Harbour and the Self-Isolating Bird Club (2nd February 2021) On April 10th 2021 Dorset-based charity Birds of Poole Harbour, in partnership with Chris Packham and Megan McCubbin’s Self Isolating Bird Club, will host the first ever Reintroduction and Rewilding Summit, an event aimed to educate and inspire the public […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/3cvZhDx via IFTTT

The following is a guest blog written by someone who wishes to remain anonymous. I know who they are and I understand their reason for wishing to remain anonymous. When you’ve read the blog, you’ll probably understand, too. This guest blog was originally submitted last week so some of the figures referring to the number […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/3rgXrLb via IFTTT

The following is a guest blog written by someone who wishes to remain anonymous. I know who they are and I understand their reason for wishing to remain anonymous. When you’ve read the blog, you’ll probably understand, too. This guest blog was originally submitted last week so some of the figures referring to the number […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/3rgXrLb