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Showing posts from April, 2021

Raptor Persecution UK: Wild golden eagles interacting with translocated eagles in southern Scotland

In 2017, Chris Packham and I, in collaboration with Dave Anderson and a number of eagle experts in the Scottish Raptor Study Group began satellite-tracking golden eagles in Scotland as part of a wider scientific research project to understand more about the ecology of young dispersing eagles and their conservation requirements. We’ve tagged birds in […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/2QBmBaJ

Wild golden eagles interacting with translocated eagles in southern Scotland

In 2017, Chris Packham and I, in collaboration with Dave Anderson and a number of eagle experts in the Scottish Raptor Study Group began satellite-tracking golden eagles in Scotland as part of a wider scientific research project to understand more about the ecology of young dispersing eagles and their conservation requirements. We’ve tagged birds in […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2QBmBaJ via IFTTT

Raptor Persecution UK: 53 hen harriers confirmed illegally killed or ‘missing’ since 2018

For anyone who still wants to pretend that the grouse shooting industry isn’t responsible for the systematic extermination of hen harriers on grouse moors across the UK, here’s the latest catalogue of crime that suggests otherwise. [This male hen harrier died in 2019 after his leg was almost severed in an illegally set trap that […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/3vAEVzx

53 hen harriers confirmed illegally killed or ‘missing’ since 2018

For anyone who still wants to pretend that the grouse shooting industry isn’t responsible for the systematic extermination of hen harriers on grouse moors across the UK, here’s the latest catalogue of crime that suggests otherwise. [This male hen harrier died in 2019 after his leg was almost severed in an illegally set trap that […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/3vAEVzx via IFTTT

Raptor Persecution UK: Satellite-tagged hen harrier ‘Yarrow’ disappears in suspicious circumstances

Press release from RSPB (29th April 2021) Another hen harrier disappears in suspicious circumstances Yet another satellite-tagged hen harrier has disappeared in suspicious circumstances at a crucial time in the breeding season. Yarrow, a female hen harrier, hatched in the Scottish Borders in summer 2020. She was fitted with a satellite tag, which provided scientists […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/3nuOFsh

Satellite-tagged hen harrier ‘Yarrow’ disappears in suspicious circumstances

Press release from RSPB (29th April 2021) Another hen harrier disappears in suspicious circumstances Yet another satellite-tagged hen harrier has disappeared in suspicious circumstances at a crucial time in the breeding season. Yarrow, a female hen harrier, hatched in the Scottish Borders in summer 2020. She was fitted with a satellite tag, which provided scientists […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/3nuOFsh via IFTTT

Raptor Persecution UK: Desperate & delusional: Scottish Land & Estates’ grand plan for tackling raptor persecution

Cast your mind back to August 2020 for a minute. We were still waiting for the Scottish Government’s response to the Werritty Review (would they licence grouse shooting or not?) and bad news linking raptor persecution and grouse shooting was all over the press in the run up to the Inglorious 12th, the opening of […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/3t1Y7o7

Desperate & delusional: Scottish Land & Estates’ grand plan for tackling raptor persecution

Cast your mind back to August 2020 for a minute. We were still waiting for the Scottish Government’s response to the Werritty Review (would they licence grouse shooting or not?) and bad news linking raptor persecution and grouse shooting was all over the press in the run up to the Inglorious 12th, the opening of […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/3t1Y7o7 via IFTTT

Raptor Persecution UK: Vacancy: Investigative Support Officer, National Wildlife Crime Unit (NWCU)

Job Title: NWCU Investigative Support Officer Salary Range: Scale 6, £26,865 – £28,725 Per Annum Work Location: Stirling, Scotland or home based Hours: 37 Hours Per Week Monday – Friday with flexible hours Contact Type: Temporary (for 12 months, with the view to become permanent)   Closing date:  Sunday 9th May 2021 at 23:59 Hours About NWCU: The National Wildlife Crime Unit […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/3nqrjny

Vacancy: Investigative Support Officer, National Wildlife Crime Unit (NWCU)

Job Title: NWCU Investigative Support Officer Salary Range: Scale 6, £26,865 – £28,725 Per Annum Work Location: Stirling, Scotland or home based Hours: 37 Hours Per Week Monday – Friday with flexible hours Contact Type: Temporary (for 12 months, with the view to become permanent)   Closing date:  Sunday 9th May 2021 at 23:59 Hours About NWCU: The National Wildlife Crime Unit […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/3nqrjny via IFTTT

Raptor Persecution UK: ‘Skydancer Day’ – online event, May 9th 2021

Plans are evolving for this year’s Hen Harrier Day which will take place on the weekend of 7th-8th August 2021 but this year there’s going to be an additional event, taking place this spring. Branded ‘Skydancer Day’, this will be an online event on Sunday 9th May 2021, organised by charity Hen Harrier Action and […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/3vpqXQX

‘Skydancer Day’ – online event, May 9th 2021

Plans are evolving for this year’s Hen Harrier Day which will take place on the weekend of 7th-8th August 2021 but this year there’s going to be an additional event, taking place this spring. Branded ‘Skydancer Day’, this will be an online event on Sunday 9th May 2021, organised by charity Hen Harrier Action and […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/3vpqXQX via IFTTT

Raptor Persecution UK: With straight faces, landowners’ lobby group asks tourists to ‘respect nature’

This made me laugh out loud. Landowners’ lobby group Scottish Land & Estates (SLE) posted this on their website two days ago: This is the same Scottish Land & Estates whose membership includes the notorious Leadhills Estate, a grouse-shooting estate in South Lanarkshire where over 70 confirmed incidents of wildlife crime have been reported since […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/3xmlko9

With straight faces, landowners’ lobby group asks tourists to ‘respect nature’

This made me laugh out loud. Landowners’ lobby group Scottish Land & Estates (SLE) posted this on their website two days ago: This is the same Scottish Land & Estates whose membership includes the notorious Leadhills Estate, a grouse-shooting estate in South Lanarkshire where over 70 confirmed incidents of wildlife crime have been reported since […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/3xmlko9 via IFTTT

Inadequate sentence for persistent egg thief

Back in February this year, 63-year-old Terence Potter from Huddersfield appeared at Sheffield Magistrates Court and pleaded guilty to a number of offences related to the theft of nearly 200 wild bird eggs, including eggs from the red-listed Curlew (see here). The offences were: Two counts of possessing items capable of being used to take […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/3xnnnsk via IFTTT

Raptor Persecution UK: Inadequate sentence for persistent egg thief

Back in February this year, 63-year-old Terence Potter from Huddersfield appeared at Sheffield Magistrates Court and pleaded guilty to a number of offences related to the theft of nearly 200 wild bird eggs, including eggs from the red-listed Curlew (see here). The offences were: Two counts of possessing items capable of being used to take […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/3xnnnsk

Political hustings on animal welfare in Scotland now available to view

Last week Scottish animal welfare charity OneKind hosted a political hustings to allow the public to quiz candidates from the five main political parties on their animal welfare policies ahead of the election on 6th May. The hustings was organised by More for Scotland’s Animals (MFSA), a coalition of 11 leading animal welfare organisations (see here). […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/3aDrBCf via IFTTT

Raptor Persecution UK: Political hustings on animal welfare in Scotland now available to view

Last week Scottish animal welfare charity OneKind hosted a political hustings to allow the public to quiz candidates from the five main political parties on their animal welfare policies ahead of the election on 6th May. The hustings was organised by More for Scotland’s Animals (MFSA), a coalition of 11 leading animal welfare organisations (see here). […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/3aDrBCf

Red kite believed to have been shot & hung from a tree

There is a disturbing news report this afternoon that a red kite has been shot dead and was hung from a tree in a Norfolk village. According to the Eastern Daily Press, ‘Norfolk police were called to Swaffham Road in Cockley Cley on Friday, April 9, after someone reported a dead bird hanging from a […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2RPYzsu via IFTTT

Raptor Persecution UK: Red kite believed to have been shot & hung from a tree

There is a disturbing news report this afternoon that a red kite has been shot dead and was hung from a tree in a Norfolk village. According to the Eastern Daily Press, ‘Norfolk police were called to Swaffham Road in Cockley Cley on Friday, April 9, after someone reported a dead bird hanging from a […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/2RPYzsu

Revive hustings – which political parties are supporting grouse moor reform in Scotland?

There was a fascinating political hustings last night where candidates from the five main parties were quizzed for an hour and a half about their views on various aspects of grouse moor management and reform. Imagine that happening in England? No, me neither. But the fact that this took place in Scotland, with political candidates […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/32JXsgl via IFTTT

Raptor Persecution UK: Revive hustings – which political parties are supporting grouse moor reform in Scotland?

There was a fascinating political hustings last night where candidates from the five main parties were quizzed for an hour and a half about their views on various aspects of grouse moor management and reform. Imagine that happening in England? No, me neither. But the fact that this took place in Scotland, with political candidates […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/32JXsgl

Raptor Persecution UK: Operation Wingspan – Police Scotland raise awareness of raptor persecution

In October 2020, Police Scotland launched a 12-month-long campaign called Operation Wingspan to raise awareness of wildlife crime. The campaign focuses on the seven wildlife crime priorities set by the UK Wildlife Crime Tasking and Co-ordination Group and the National Wildlife Crime Unit. The seven wildlife crime priorities are currently: Badger persecution Bat persecution Raptor […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/3xlHFSM

Operation Wingspan – Police Scotland raise awareness of raptor persecution

In October 2020, Police Scotland launched a 12-month-long campaign called Operation Wingspan to raise awareness of wildlife crime. The campaign focuses on the seven wildlife crime priorities set by the UK Wildlife Crime Tasking and Co-ordination Group and the National Wildlife Crime Unit. The seven wildlife crime priorities are currently: Badger persecution Bat persecution Raptor […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/3xlHFSM via IFTTT

Raptor Persecution UK: Breach of hen harrier diversionary feeding licence on North Yorkshire grouse moor

A few days ago I was informed that there may have been a suspected breach of a hen harrier diversionary feeding licence last weekend, on a grouse moor in North Yorkshire. Observers were monitoring what they believed to be an active hen harrier nest. Their observation position was approximately one mile from the nest site […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/3sJvBHD

Breach of hen harrier diversionary feeding licence on North Yorkshire grouse moor

A few days ago I was informed that there may have been a suspected breach of a hen harrier diversionary feeding licence last weekend, on a grouse moor in North Yorkshire. Observers were monitoring what they believed to be an active hen harrier nest. Their observation position was approximately one mile from the nest site […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/3sJvBHD via IFTTT

Raptor Persecution UK: Police conduct another multi-agency raid after two buzzards confirmed poisoned in Teesdale

Press statement from Durham Constabulary (21 April 2021) Operation targets raptor persecution Officers have teamed up with partner agencies on a special operation to target raptor persecution. Operation Sunbeam included members of the Barnard Castle Neighbourhood Policing Team, RSPB, Natural England and the National Wildlife Crime Unit who carried out searches at two properties in […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/32xStiP

Police conduct another multi-agency raid after two buzzards confirmed poisoned in Teesdale

Press statement from Durham Constabulary (21 April 2021) Operation targets raptor persecution Officers have teamed up with partner agencies on a special operation to target raptor persecution. Operation Sunbeam included members of the Barnard Castle Neighbourhood Policing Team, RSPB, Natural England and the National Wildlife Crime Unit who carried out searches at two properties in […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/32xStiP via IFTTT

Landowners appear to launch damage limitation exercise as police investigate raptor persecution in Aberdeenshire

Today, in response to media enquiries, Police Scotland confirmed that a criminal investigation was underway after the discovery of a dead bird of prey found in Aberdeenshire last month. The details of the alleged crime, including the species of raptor, the cause of death and the actual location have not yet been revealed but I […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/3n61rgH via IFTTT

Raptor Persecution UK: Landowners appear to launch damage limitation exercise as police investigate raptor persecution in Aberdeenshire

Today, in response to media enquiries, Police Scotland confirmed that a criminal investigation was underway after the discovery of a dead bird of prey found in Aberdeenshire last month. The details of the alleged crime, including the species of raptor, the cause of death and the actual location have not yet been revealed but I […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/3n61rgH

Grouse shooting featured at political hustings on animal welfare in Scotland

Last Thursday (15th April 2021), Scottish animal welfare charity OneKind hosted a political hustings to allow the public to quiz candidates from the five main political parties on their animal welfare policies ahead of the election on 6th May. The hustings was organised by More for Scotland’s Animals (MFSA), a coalition of 11 leading animal […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/32yHmpA via IFTTT

Raptor Persecution UK: Grouse shooting featured at political hustings on animal welfare in Scotland

Last Thursday (15th April 2021), Scottish animal welfare charity OneKind hosted a political hustings to allow the public to quiz candidates from the five main political parties on their animal welfare policies ahead of the election on 6th May. The hustings was organised by More for Scotland’s Animals (MFSA), a coalition of 11 leading animal […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/32yHmpA

Raptor Persecution UK: Lincolnshire Police provide update on investigation into poisoned red kite

On 15th March this year, the RSPB tweeted that there’d been a multi-agency raid on two properties in Lincolnshire in connection with the poisoning of a red kite in 2020. Lincolnshire Police, supported by the National Wildlife Crime Unit, Natural England and the RSPB’s Investigations team, reportedly seized substances that were sent off for toxicology […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/3syFA2t

Lincolnshire Police provide update on investigation into poisoned red kite

On 15th March this year, the RSPB tweeted that there’d been a multi-agency raid on two properties in Lincolnshire in connection with the poisoning of a red kite in 2020. Lincolnshire Police, supported by the National Wildlife Crime Unit, Natural England and the RSPB’s Investigations team, reportedly seized substances that were sent off for toxicology […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/3syFA2t via IFTTT

Raptor Persecution UK: Keith Tordoff, candidate for North Yorkshire Police & Crime Commissioner is raptor champion

Last week I blogged about how a coalition of organisations under the umbrella group Wildlife & Countryside LINK was asking Police and Crime Commissioner candidates to prioritise wildlife crime should they be elected on 6th May 2021 (see here). The role of a Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) has the potential to be hugely influential […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/3ekXtwK

Keith Tordoff, candidate for North Yorkshire Police & Crime Commissioner is raptor champion

Last week I blogged about how a coalition of organisations under the umbrella group Wildlife & Countryside LINK was asking Police and Crime Commissioner candidates to prioritise wildlife crime should they be elected on 6th May 2021 (see here). The role of a Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) has the potential to be hugely influential […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/3ekXtwK via IFTTT

Raptor Persecution UK: Parties & public urged to choose rewilding in Scottish election

Press release from the Scottish Rewilding Alliance (19th April 2021) The Scottish Rewilding Alliance has today set out the five key choices Holyrood will have to make during the next session to tackle the nature and climate crises. In each case Parliament will have to decide whether to persist with a failing status quo or […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/3v3fTZC

Parties & public urged to choose rewilding in Scottish election

Press release from the Scottish Rewilding Alliance (19th April 2021) The Scottish Rewilding Alliance has today set out the five key choices Holyrood will have to make during the next session to tackle the nature and climate crises. In each case Parliament will have to decide whether to persist with a failing status quo or […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/3v3fTZC via IFTTT

Leicestershire Police welcomes 18 new wildlife crime officers

Press release from Leicestershire Police (14th April 2021): Leicestershire Police welcomes new wildlife officers Rural communities across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland will now benefit from a number of wildlife related officers within their areas. All 18 officers have recently undertaken a five-day wildlife training course to gain a better understanding of rural issues and laws. […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/3mYcl85 via IFTTT

Raptor Persecution UK: Leicestershire Police welcomes 18 new wildlife crime officers

Press release from Leicestershire Police (14th April 2021): Leicestershire Police welcomes new wildlife officers Rural communities across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland will now benefit from a number of wildlife related officers within their areas. All 18 officers have recently undertaken a five-day wildlife training course to gain a better understanding of rural issues and laws. […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/3mYcl85

Shot red kite: was it found on the Salperton Park Estate?

Last Thursday, Gloucestershire Police tweeted about a red kite that had been found injured on 12th March 2021, ‘believed to have been shot close to Salperton Village’ in the Cotswolds. Judging by the accompanying x-ray, the kite had suffered a catastrophic wing injury and it seems unlikely it would have been able to fly far […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/3sx1iE3 via IFTTT

Raptor Persecution UK: Shot red kite: was it found on the Salperton Park Estate?

Last Thursday, Gloucestershire Police tweeted about a red kite that had been found injured on 12th March 2021, ‘believed to have been shot close to Salperton Village’ in the Cotswolds. Judging by the accompanying x-ray, the kite had suffered a catastrophic wing injury and it seems unlikely it would have been able to fly far […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/3sx1iE3

Norfolk Police appeal for information after discovery of dead kite, believed shot

Norfolk Police are appealing for information after the discovery of a dead red kite in the Cockley Cley area of Norfolk on Friday 9th April 2021. An x-ray shows the kite has broken bones in its leg and wing. The police believe the kite has been shot. Anyone with information please contact Norfolk Police on […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2QDGdKD via IFTTT

Raptor Persecution UK: Norfolk Police appeal for information after discovery of dead kite, believed shot

Norfolk Police are appealing for information after the discovery of a dead red kite in the Cockley Cley area of Norfolk on Friday 9th April 2021. An x-ray shows the kite has broken bones in its leg and wing. The police believe the kite has been shot. Anyone with information please contact Norfolk Police on […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/2QDGdKD

Red kite shot in Cotswolds

A red kite has been shot in the Cotswolds AONB close to the village of Salperton. It was shot on 12th March 2021 and the Gloucester Police rural crime team has announced it on Twitter this evening, along with some x-rays of the kite showing shotgun pellets and a broken humerus. Disappointingly, there isn’t any […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/3uT0ivl via IFTTT

Raptor Persecution UK: Red kite shot in Cotswolds

A red kite has been shot in the Cotswolds AONB close to the village of Salperton. It was shot on 12th March 2021 and the Gloucester Police rural crime team has announced it on Twitter this evening, along with some x-rays of the kite showing shotgun pellets and a broken humerus. Disappointingly, there isn’t any […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/3uT0ivl

Raptor Persecution UK: Police & Crime Commissioner candidates asked to prioritise wildlife crime

Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) candidates standing for election in England on 6th May have been asked to declare their commitment to prioritising wildlife crime. Wildlife and Countryside LINK (often referred to as just LINK) is the largest environment and wildlife coalition in England, bringing together 58 organisations for the protection of nature (there are […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/32fsFI7

Police & Crime Commissioner candidates asked to prioritise wildlife crime

Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) candidates standing for election in England on 6th May have been asked to declare their commitment to prioritising wildlife crime. Wildlife and Countryside LINK (often referred to as just LINK) is the largest environment and wildlife coalition in England, bringing together 58 organisations for the protection of nature (there are […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/32fsFI7 via IFTTT

Raptor Persecution UK: Political hustings organised by REVIVE – the coalition for grouse moor reform

Here is your opportunity to quiz parliamentary candidates from Scotland’s five main political parties about their position on grouse moor reform. REVIVE, the coalition for grouse moor reform, is hosting an online political hustings next Thursday (22nd April 2021) between 6-7.30pm on Zoom. Candidates will be asked specifically to discuss the following aspects of grouse […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/3x5VQvt

Political hustings organised by REVIVE – the coalition for grouse moor reform

Here is your opportunity to quiz parliamentary candidates from Scotland’s five main political parties about their position on grouse moor reform. REVIVE, the coalition for grouse moor reform, is hosting an online political hustings next Thursday (22nd April 2021) between 6-7.30pm on Zoom. Candidates will be asked specifically to discuss the following aspects of grouse […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/3x5VQvt via IFTTT

Raptor Persecution UK: Eyes to the skies for hen harriers: RSPB Scotland asks public for sightings

Press release from RSPB Scotland (14th April 2021) EYES TO THE SKIES FOR RETURNING HEN HARRIERS Buzzard, kestrel… or hen harrier? RSPB Scotland is asking everyone to keep their eyes peeled for one of the UK’s rarest birds of prey as they return to their breeding grounds this spring. Hen harriers are medium-sized birds of […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/3si5ffE

Eyes to the skies for hen harriers: RSPB Scotland asks public for sightings

Press release from RSPB Scotland (14th April 2021) EYES TO THE SKIES FOR RETURNING HEN HARRIERS Buzzard, kestrel… or hen harrier? RSPB Scotland is asking everyone to keep their eyes peeled for one of the UK’s rarest birds of prey as they return to their breeding grounds this spring. Hen harriers are medium-sized birds of […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/3si5ffE via IFTTT

Scottish farmers & landowners join forces with NatureScot to fight judicial review on beaver killing

Beavers are slightly off topic for this blog, although they featured on here earlier this year when Scottish charity Trees for Life was crowdfunding to support an application for judicial review against NatureScot (formerly SNH) for allowing too many beavers to be killed under licence instead of exploring all other non-lethal avenues first (see here). […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/3wROhbr via IFTTT

Raptor Persecution UK: Scottish farmers & landowners join forces with NatureScot to fight judicial review on beaver killing

Beavers are slightly off topic for this blog, although they featured on here earlier this year when Scottish charity Trees for Life was crowdfunding to support an application for judicial review against NatureScot (formerly SNH) for allowing too many beavers to be killed under licence instead of exploring all other non-lethal avenues first (see here). […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/3wROhbr

Raptor Persecution UK: NatureScot Chair Mike Cantlay writes puff piece for Scottish Gamekeepers’ rag

How come, if Scottish gamekeepers feel so downtrodden, unheard, overlooked, side-lined etc (e.g. see here), the Chair of Naturescot is writing puff pieces for their quarterly rag? In the Spring 2021 edition of the Scottish Gamekeepers Association’s newsletter, Mike Cantlay blows some serious amounts of smoke up the SGA’s backside. It’s a shame his organisation […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/2Qlmr6M

NatureScot Chair Mike Cantlay writes puff piece for Scottish Gamekeepers’ rag

How come, if Scottish gamekeepers feel so downtrodden, unheard, overlooked, side-lined etc (e.g. see here), the Chair of Naturescot is writing puff pieces for their quarterly rag? In the Spring 2021 edition of the Scottish Gamekeepers Association’s newsletter, Mike Cantlay blows some serious amounts of smoke up the SGA’s backside. It’s a shame his organisation […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2Qlmr6M via IFTTT

Raptor Persecution UK: Langholm Moor Community Buyout: re-advertising for an Estate Manager

In November last year the largest community buyout in south Scotland realised its ambitious goal by raising enough money to buy some moorland from Buccleuch Estates in Langholm with the intention of turning it from a former grouse moor in to a thriving nature reserve for the benefit of the local community, the environment and […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/3sbXWWS

Langholm Moor Community Buyout: re-advertising for an Estate Manager

In November last year the largest community buyout in south Scotland realised its ambitious goal by raising enough money to buy some moorland from Buccleuch Estates in Langholm with the intention of turning it from a former grouse moor in to a thriving nature reserve for the benefit of the local community, the environment and […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/3sbXWWS via IFTTT

This ‘downtrodden gamekeeper’ act is fooling non-one

As campaigning for the forthcoming Scottish election gets in to full swing, I’ve been reading more and more about poor ‘downtrodden’ gamekeepers, how they’re not listened to, how hard done by they are, how they’ve been ‘vilified’ etc etc. This article in last week’s Herald is a classic example, although pay close attention to who […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/3a37sW7 via IFTTT

Raptor Persecution UK: This ‘downtrodden gamekeeper’ act is fooling non-one

As campaigning for the forthcoming Scottish election gets in to full swing, I’ve been reading more and more about poor ‘downtrodden’ gamekeepers, how they’re not listened to, how hard done by they are, how they’ve been ‘vilified’ etc etc. This article in last week’s Herald is a classic example, although pay close attention to who […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/3a37sW7

Raptor Persecution UK: Police investigate as dead buzzard is found tied & hanging from a tree in Fife

This is a bit bizarre – there’s an article in today’s National about a police investigation, triggered by the discovery of a dead buzzard that had been tied to a tree and found hanging. Police Scotland say that their enquiries show the buzzard had died of natural causes before being tied to the tree. Here’s […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/3d8cmDc

Police investigate as dead buzzard is found tied & hanging from a tree in Fife

This is a bit bizarre – there’s an article in today’s National about a police investigation, triggered by the discovery of a dead buzzard that had been tied to a tree and found hanging. Police Scotland say that their enquiries show the buzzard had died of natural causes before being tied to the tree. Here’s […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/3d8cmDc via IFTTT

Raptor Persecution UK: Scottish Minister Fergus Ewing under fire for auctioning Holyrood tour for Scottish Gamekeepers’ fundraiser

Cabinet Secretary Fergus Ewing has been accused of breaching Parliamentary rules by ‘flogging’ access to Holyrood in a silent auction organised by the Scottish Gamekeepers Association (SGA). Lot #59 in the SGA’s annual auction, donated by Fergus Ewing MSP, is squeezed in between a week’s holiday in a cottage in Strathbraan (a well-known raptor persecution […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/3mGGvN2

Scottish Minister Fergus Ewing under fire for auctioning Holyrood tour for Scottish Gamekeepers’ fundraiser

Cabinet Secretary Fergus Ewing has been accused of breaching Parliamentary rules by ‘flogging’ access to Holyrood in a silent auction organised by the Scottish Gamekeepers Association (SGA). Lot #59 in the SGA’s annual auction, donated by Fergus Ewing MSP, is squeezed in between a week’s holiday in a cottage in Strathbraan (a well-known raptor persecution […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/3mGGvN2 via IFTTT

Raptor Persecution UK: Peregrine shot & killed in North Wales

North Wales Police have published a tweet about a peregrine that was found dying on Tuesday lunchtime near the Osprey Centre at Porthmadog, North Wales. It was taken to the RSPCA’s Stapeley Grange Wildlife Centre for a veterinary examination. According to the Police, the vets said it had ‘probably been shot’ as there was an […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/3t1U8sh

Peregrine shot & killed in North Wales

North Wales Police have published a tweet about a peregrine that was found dying on Tuesday lunchtime near the Osprey Centre at Porthmadog, North Wales. It was taken to the RSPCA’s Stapeley Grange Wildlife Centre for a veterinary examination. According to the Police, the vets said it had ‘probably been shot’ as there was an […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/3t1U8sh via IFTTT

Raptor Persecution UK: Reintroduction & Rewilding Summit – this Saturday

The exciting Reintroduction & Rewilding Summit takes place this Saturday (10th April), launching online from 10am. Co-hosted by the Birds of Poole Harbour and the Self isolating Bird Club, the day-long event will be hosted by Chris Packham and Megan McCubbin with a wide variety of guests and speakers. For more details and to register […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/39PP1nE

Reintroduction & Rewilding Summit – this Saturday

The exciting Reintroduction & Rewilding Summit takes place this Saturday (10th April), launching online from 10am. Co-hosted by the Birds of Poole Harbour and the Self isolating Bird Club, the day-long event will be hosted by Chris Packham and Megan McCubbin with a wide variety of guests and speakers. For more details and to register […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/39PP1nE via IFTTT

Raptor Persecution UK: Horror for wildlife on a burnt Scottish grouse moor

The environmentally damaging consequences of setting fire to upland heather moorlands as part of the routine ‘management’ for grouse shooting are well documented, with some of these fires leading to increased carbon emissions, increased flood risk, increased air pollution and threats to other ecosystem services. With the intensification of grouse moor management in some areas […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/3sT6OSe

Horror for wildlife on a burnt Scottish grouse moor

The environmentally damaging consequences of setting fire to upland heather moorlands as part of the routine ‘management’ for grouse shooting are well documented, with some of these fires leading to increased carbon emissions, increased flood risk, increased air pollution and threats to other ecosystem services. With the intensification of grouse moor management in some areas […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/3sT6OSe via IFTTT

Scottish Gamekeepers Association on the attack about ‘misleading’ information – oh, the irony

The latest target in the Scottish Gamekeepers Association’s (SGA) rifle sights is the Scottish Green Party. I say latest, I’m not sure I can remember the SGA ever supporting any policy of the Greens, and some members of this political party have long been targets for personal abuse by some SGA Committee Members and supporters, […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/3dE8vNg via IFTTT

Raptor Persecution UK: Scottish Gamekeepers Association on the attack about ‘misleading’ information – oh, the irony

The latest target in the Scottish Gamekeepers Association’s (SGA) rifle sights is the Scottish Green Party. I say latest, I’m not sure I can remember the SGA ever supporting any policy of the Greens, and some members of this political party have long been targets for personal abuse by some SGA Committee Members and supporters, […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/3dE8vNg

Raptor Persecution UK: ‘It’s time to end burning on grouse moors’

The focus remains firmly on the deliberate burning of our uplands with yet another article discussing the environmental damage caused. This time it’s an opinion piece written by Max Wiszniewski, the Campaign Manager for REVIVE, the coalition for grouse moor reform in Scotland. The article has been published by UK Climbing. [Muirburn on a Scottish […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/2PYTfSD

‘It’s time to end burning on grouse moors’

The focus remains firmly on the deliberate burning of our uplands with yet another article discussing the environmental damage caused. This time it’s an opinion piece written by Max Wiszniewski, the Campaign Manager for REVIVE, the coalition for grouse moor reform in Scotland. The article has been published by UK Climbing. [Muirburn on a Scottish […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2PYTfSD via IFTTT

Emmerdale actor speaks out against grouse moor burning & raptor persecution

Hot on the heels of her last article on how burning Britain’s moorland is ‘an environmental disaster’ (here), the Daily Mirror’s Environment Editor, Nada Farhoud has a follow up article out today. This time she interviews Emmerdale actor Nick Miles, who lives in the Yorkshire Dales National Park and has been a long-time supporter of […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/3mdoUMo via IFTTT

Raptor Persecution UK: Emmerdale actor speaks out against grouse moor burning & raptor persecution

Hot on the heels of her last article on how burning Britain’s moorland is ‘an environmental disaster’ (here), the Daily Mirror’s Environment Editor, Nada Farhoud has a follow up article out today. This time she interviews Emmerdale actor Nick Miles, who lives in the Yorkshire Dales National Park and has been a long-time supporter of […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/3mdoUMo

RSPB blog: Scotland’s uplands going up in smoke in the nature & climate emergency

Further to the blog I wrote about Cabinet Secretary Fergus Ewing’s astonishing recent statement, “It’s essential that we carry on with muirburn” (see here), RSPB Scotland has now published a blog to discuss this burning issue [geddit?]. The RSPB’s Duncan Orr-Ewing and Andrew Midgely explain the charity’s position on moorland burning in the context of […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/3wmgQxu via IFTTT

Raptor Persecution UK: RSPB blog: Scotland’s uplands going up in smoke in the nature & climate emergency

Further to the blog I wrote about Cabinet Secretary Fergus Ewing’s astonishing recent statement, “It’s essential that we carry on with muirburn” (see here), RSPB Scotland has now published a blog to discuss this burning issue [geddit?]. The RSPB’s Duncan Orr-Ewing and Andrew Midgely explain the charity’s position on moorland burning in the context of […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/3wmgQxu

Raptor Persecution UK: Gun, banned poisons & dead birds of prey seized in third multi-agency raid in England

Press release from Dorset Police (1st April 2021) Officers and partners who executed a warrant at a rural property in East Dorset have seized pesticides, dead birds of prey and a firearm. Dorset Police Wildlife Crime Officers have been working with the Police National Wildlife Crime Unit (NWCU), Natural England and the RSPB to investigate […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/3ue5iud

Gun, banned poisons & dead birds of prey seized in third multi-agency raid in England

Press release from Dorset Police (1st April 2021) Officers and partners who executed a warrant at a rural property in East Dorset have seized pesticides, dead birds of prey and a firearm. Dorset Police Wildlife Crime Officers have been working with the Police National Wildlife Crime Unit (NWCU), Natural England and the RSPB to investigate […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/3ue5iud via IFTTT

Raptor Persecution UK: Podcast discussion on how shooting industry could deal with its raptor-killing criminals

There’s an interesting and amusing podcast out this week, featuring Cardiff University senior lecturer Dr Rob Thomas talking to two blokes about how the shooting industry could deal with its raptor-killing criminals if it really wanted to, instead of shielding and supporting them. The podcast was published by an outfit called The Yorkshire Gent, and […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/2PnR1wc

Podcast discussion on how shooting industry could deal with its raptor-killing criminals

There’s an interesting and amusing podcast out this week, featuring Cardiff University senior lecturer Dr Rob Thomas talking to two blokes about how the shooting industry could deal with its raptor-killing criminals if it really wanted to, instead of shielding and supporting them. The podcast was published by an outfit called The Yorkshire Gent, and […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2PnR1wc via IFTTT