FIRECREST TOURS : Guided Birdwatching & Wildlife Days

A gamekeeper in the Scottish Borders has been convicted today after two supposedly protected birds of prey (a barn owl and a goshawk) died inside a trap which he neglected to check. There’s an article about this case in the Border Telegraph this evening, which I’ll copy below, and then I’ll add some further commentary […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/3pi42Wf via IFTTT

A gamekeeper in the Scottish Borders has been convicted today after two supposedly protected birds of prey (a barn owl and a goshawk) died inside a trap which he neglected to check. There’s an article about this case in the Border Telegraph this evening, which I’ll copy below, and then I’ll add some further commentary […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/3pi42Wf

I heard the other day that I’d been shortlisted in The Great Outdoors (TGO) 2021 readers awards in the ‘Campaigner of the Year’ category. This came as a huge surprise so thank you to whoever made the nomination! It’s a strong category comprising many hardworking local and national campaigners, some of whose names will be […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/3FR4G3r

I heard the other day that I’d been shortlisted in The Great Outdoors (TGO) 2021 readers awards in the ‘Campaigner of the Year’ category. This came as a huge surprise so thank you to whoever made the nomination! It’s a strong category comprising many hardworking local and national campaigners, some of whose names will be […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/3FR4G3r via IFTTT

Today is the 26th November 2021. It’s been exactly one year since the then Environment Minister Mairi Gougeon announced the Scottish Government’s long-awaited response to the Werritty Review on grouse moor management and a decision to implement a licensing scheme for grouse shooting. How we got to that position was the subject of a talk […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/3DVd5m4

Today is the 26th November 2021. It’s been exactly one year since the then Environment Minister Mairi Gougeon announced the Scottish Government’s long-awaited response to the Werritty Review on grouse moor management and a decision to implement a licensing scheme for grouse shooting. How we got to that position was the subject of a talk […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/3DVd5m4 via IFTTT

Yesterday, the BBC’s News at Six included a five-minute feature on the rewilding of grouse moors in Scotland. Contributors included Thomas MacDonnell of Wildland, Chief Executive of grouse moor lobby group Scottish Land & Estates Sarah-Jane Laing, and Magnus Davidson from the University of the Highlands & Islands. It’s available on BBC iPlayer but only […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/3nMsGP7

Yesterday, the BBC’s News at Six included a five-minute feature on the rewilding of grouse moors in Scotland. Contributors included Thomas MacDonnell of Wildland, Chief Executive of grouse moor lobby group Scottish Land & Estates Sarah-Jane Laing, and Magnus Davidson from the University of the Highlands & Islands. It’s available on BBC iPlayer but only […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/3nMsGP7 via IFTTT

Press release Wildlife & Countryside Link (25th November 2021) Rising reports of wildlife crimes during the pandemic spark fresh fears for beloved species Reports of wildlife crimes against many species rose between 35-90% in 2020 At the same time convictions on key types of wildlife crime fell by 50%+ Nature experts are calling for improved […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/3xliGiS via IFTTT

Press release Wildlife & Countryside Link (25th November 2021) Rising reports of wildlife crimes during the pandemic spark fresh fears for beloved species Reports of wildlife crimes against many species rose between 35-90% in 2020 At the same time convictions on key types of wildlife crime fell by 50%+ Nature experts are calling for improved […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/3xliGiS

Crikey, it’s coming to something when The Times (Scottish edition) headlines with this: Royal family ‘hypocritical’ to have grouse shooting at Balmoral. This paper is not known for its criticism of the establishment and especially not of establishment hobbies such as driven grouse shooting (e.g. it was only on Sunday the paper was publishing what […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/30QWamw

Crikey, it’s coming to something when The Times (Scottish edition) headlines with this: Royal family ‘hypocritical’ to have grouse shooting at Balmoral. This paper is not known for its criticism of the establishment and especially not of establishment hobbies such as driven grouse shooting (e.g. it was only on Sunday the paper was publishing what […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/30QWamw via IFTTT

Further to the blog posted on 22nd October 2021 about Scottish charity Trees For Life‘s successful judicial review challenge against the shooting of beavers and the potential consequences of that ruling on the ‘control’ of other protected species such as birds of prey (here), today the Scottish Government has made a complete u-turn and has […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2Zi7cjG via IFTTT

Further to the blog posted on 22nd October 2021 about Scottish charity Trees For Life‘s successful judicial review challenge against the shooting of beavers and the potential consequences of that ruling on the ‘control’ of other protected species such as birds of prey (here), today the Scottish Government has made a complete u-turn and has […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/2Zi7cjG

The British Birdwatching Fair (known to many as simply Birdfair) has come to an end, at least in the location and format we all knew: an annual event celebrating the world of birds which took place over three days in late August at Rutland Water. [Aerial view of the Birdfair marquees by Tormod Amundsen] This […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/3xcKfuU

The British Birdwatching Fair (known to many as simply Birdfair) has come to an end, at least in the location and format we all knew: an annual event celebrating the world of birds which took place over three days in late August at Rutland Water. [Aerial view of the Birdfair marquees by Tormod Amundsen] This […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/3xcKfuU via IFTTT

Yesterday the Sunday Times (Scotland) ran an opportunistic piece, presumably at the behest of a load of gamekeepers. Written by Deputy Editor Mark Macaskill, it was claimed that a ‘moorland consortium’ had invited Chris Packham to visit a grouse moor to watch them set it alight, in response to Chris’s derision of muirburn whilst COP26 […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/2ZbSgDR

Yesterday the Sunday Times (Scotland) ran an opportunistic piece, presumably at the behest of a load of gamekeepers. Written by Deputy Editor Mark Macaskill, it was claimed that a ‘moorland consortium’ had invited Chris Packham to visit a grouse moor to watch them set it alight, in response to Chris’s derision of muirburn whilst COP26 […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2ZbSgDR via IFTTT

On Wednesday I blogged about a police investigation into a shot red kite that had been found in Galleywood Road, Chelmsford, Essex (see here). The details were a bit sketchy but Essex Police Wildlife Crime Officer Jed Raven had said he believed the kite had suffered wing injuries after someone had fired a shotgun at […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/3kYFvEb

RSPB job advert Red Kite Field Officer (Fixed Term) Reference: NOV20218665 Expiry date: 23:59, 12 December 2021 Location: RSPB Northern Ireland Salary: £18,100.00 – £20,080.00 Per Annum Benefits: Pension, Life Assurance, 26 days Annual Leave (pro-rata) Duration: 6 months Are you passionate about species conservation? Interested in gaining valuable research and monitoring experience, while working […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/3HGgfwf

On Wednesday I blogged about a police investigation into a shot red kite that had been found in Galleywood Road, Chelmsford, Essex (see here). The details were a bit sketchy but Essex Police Wildlife Crime Officer Jed Raven had said he believed the kite had suffered wing injuries after someone had fired a shotgun at […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/3kYFvEb via IFTTT

RSPB job advert Red Kite Field Officer (Fixed Term) Reference: NOV20218665 Expiry date: 23:59, 12 December 2021 Location: RSPB Northern Ireland Salary: £18,100.00 – £20,080.00 Per Annum Benefits: Pension, Life Assurance, 26 days Annual Leave (pro-rata) Duration: 6 months Are you passionate about species conservation? Interested in gaining valuable research and monitoring experience, while working […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/3HGgfwf via IFTTT

Five years ago a small rural company (Bowland Brewery) was subjected to a disgraceful online hate campaign by gamekeepers and others from the game-shooting industry, simply because the brewery was supporting an RSPB hen harrier conservation project by donating profits from the sales of its Skydancer beer to the project. A simple, promotional photograph of […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/3DytqNt

Five years ago a small rural company (Bowland Brewery) was subjected to a disgraceful online hate campaign by gamekeepers and others from the game-shooting industry, simply because the brewery was supporting an RSPB hen harrier conservation project by donating profits from the sales of its Skydancer beer to the project. A simple, promotional photograph of […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/3DytqNt via IFTTT

Less than two weeks ago Essex Police announced they were working with the RSPB to investigate the suspicious death of a red kite found in the Uttlesford district (see here). This morning, Police Wildlife Crime Officer Jed Raven has informed me of another incident, this time the shooting of a red kite. [A red kite, […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/3HwzCI8

Less than two weeks ago Essex Police announced they were working with the RSPB to investigate the suspicious death of a red kite found in the Uttlesford district (see here). This morning, Police Wildlife Crime Officer Jed Raven has informed me of another incident, this time the shooting of a red kite. [A red kite, […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/3HwzCI8 via IFTTT

An article published in The National today: A TV wildlife expert has backed the work of a grouse moor reform group ahead of a key national conference. Chris Packham has praised the work of Revive ahead of its national conference this weekend. The wildlife expert, TV presenter and conservationist, who is currently at COP26, will […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/3ncjRhr

An article published in The National today: A TV wildlife expert has backed the work of a grouse moor reform group ahead of a key national conference. Chris Packham has praised the work of Revive ahead of its national conference this weekend. The wildlife expert, TV presenter and conservationist, who is currently at COP26, will […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/3ncjRhr via IFTTT

Press release from REVIVE, the coalition for grouse moor reform: 11th November 2021 Scotland’s Muirburn Shame National Park burns while world leaders discuss climate emergency in Glasgow Scottish landowners are being accused of putting two fingers up to COP26 as they cause environmental damage through muirburn during the global climate conference. REVIVE, the coalition for […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/2YGyf8a

Press release from REVIVE, the coalition for grouse moor reform: 11th November 2021 Scotland’s Muirburn Shame National Park burns while world leaders discuss climate emergency in Glasgow Scottish landowners are being accused of putting two fingers up to COP26 as they cause environmental damage through muirburn during the global climate conference. REVIVE, the coalition for […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2YGyf8a via IFTTT

Derbyshire Constabulary are warning dog-walkers to be careful as they investigate suspected wildlife poisoning in a Derbyshire woodland. Two dogs are reported to have become ill after visiting Swinepark Wood at Lea, near Matlock and the police say this may be related. The police have posted warning signs at entry points to the woods: There […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/3F0ZARL

Derbyshire Constabulary are warning dog-walkers to be careful as they investigate suspected wildlife poisoning in a Derbyshire woodland. Two dogs are reported to have become ill after visiting Swinepark Wood at Lea, near Matlock and the police say this may be related. The police have posted warning signs at entry points to the woods: There […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/3F0ZARL via IFTTT

Last week I blogged about how a Suffolk gamekeeper was due at Ipswich Magistrates Court to face a charge of poisoning a buzzard, having already pleaded guilty to several pesticide storage and firearms offences (see here). This case stemmed from a multi-agency raid last January (here) after the discovery of an illegally poisoned buzzard in […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/3D0amr0

Last week I blogged about how a Suffolk gamekeeper was due at Ipswich Magistrates Court to face a charge of poisoning a buzzard, having already pleaded guilty to several pesticide storage and firearms offences (see here). This case stemmed from a multi-agency raid last January (here) after the discovery of an illegally poisoned buzzard in […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/3D0amr0 via IFTTT

The Welsh Government’s statutory nature conservation agency, Natural Resources Wales (NRW), is currently hosting a public consultation on its proposed changes to the General Licences (the licences which permit the killing of certain bird species, in certain circumstances, typically for public health & safety, for the protection of crops and livestock, and for nature conservation […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/3BP52VT via IFTTT

The Welsh Government’s statutory nature conservation agency, Natural Resources Wales (NRW), is currently hosting a public consultation on its proposed changes to the General Licences (the licences which permit the killing of certain bird species, in certain circumstances, typically for public health & safety, for the protection of crops and livestock, and for nature conservation […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/3BP52VT

An article published in yesterday’s Guardian implicates grouse moor management as being partly responsible for a massive population decline in Twite, a small bird also known as the ‘Pennine Finch’. Researchers are concerned that this species is on the brink of extinction in England due to a combination of factors including less wild seed in […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/3kad85y

There’s an article in today’s Observer featuring a proposal by the John Muir Trust that grouse-shooting (and deer) estates should be taxed for their carbon emissions to encourage them to minimise their management intensity. It’s an interesting proposal for dealing with the critical issue of carbon emissions from muirburning and all its associated damage (e.g. […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/3GYzlNW

An article published in yesterday’s Guardian implicates grouse moor management as being partly responsible for a massive population decline in Twite, a small bird also known as the ‘Pennine Finch’. Researchers are concerned that this species is on the brink of extinction in England due to a combination of factors including less wild seed in […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/3kad85y via IFTTT

There’s an article in today’s Observer featuring a proposal by the John Muir Trust that grouse-shooting (and deer) estates should be taxed for their carbon emissions to encourage them to minimise their management intensity. It’s an interesting proposal for dealing with the critical issue of carbon emissions from muirburning and all its associated damage (e.g. […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/3GYzlNW via IFTTT

Essex Police is working with the RSPB to investigate the death of a red kite found in suspicious circumstances in the Uttlesford District. Police wildlife crime officer Jed Raven posted the following photograph and tweet on Twitter this morning: This is a map showing the Uttlesford district in Essex: There aren’t any further details at […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/3GQQNUl

Essex Police is working with the RSPB to investigate the death of a red kite found in suspicious circumstances in the Uttlesford District. Police wildlife crime officer Jed Raven posted the following photograph and tweet on Twitter this morning: This is a map showing the Uttlesford district in Essex: There aren’t any further details at […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/3GQQNUl via IFTTT

It’s that time of year again, when pheasants and red-legged partridges have been released into the countryside in their millions (approx 60 million of these non-native species, in fact), they’re then shot for a bit of a laugh and then some of them are simply dumped. Unfortunately for the game shooting industry, this is an […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/3bEBMXm

It’s that time of year again, when pheasants and red-legged partridges have been released into the countryside in their millions (approx 60 million of these non-native species, in fact), they’re then shot for a bit of a laugh and then some of them are simply dumped. Unfortunately for the game shooting industry, this is an […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/3bEBMXm via IFTTT

Last week conservation campaign group Wild Justice launched a crowdfunder appeal to raise funds for a legal challenge against what the group says are unscientific and unlawful General Licences in Northern Ireland (see here). Yesterday evening the crowdfunder reached its target of £45,000 – thank you to the blog readers who supported this appeal. Wild […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2YlQEqI via IFTTT

Last week conservation campaign group Wild Justice launched a crowdfunder appeal to raise funds for a legal challenge against what the group says are unscientific and unlawful General Licences in Northern Ireland (see here). Yesterday evening the crowdfunder reached its target of £45,000 – thank you to the blog readers who supported this appeal. Wild […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/2YlQEqI

A new trial date has been set for a gamekeeper from the Angus Glens who is accused of multiple offences relating to alleged animal fighting and animal suffering. Property on the Millden Estate was searched under warrant in October 2019 in a joint SSPCA and Police Scotland investigation (see here), as well as a simultaneous […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/3w8NN0J

A new trial date has been set for a gamekeeper from the Angus Glens who is accused of multiple offences relating to alleged animal fighting and animal suffering. Property on the Millden Estate was searched under warrant in October 2019 in a joint SSPCA and Police Scotland investigation (see here), as well as a simultaneous […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/3w8NN0J via IFTTT

A gamekeeper is due in court on Monday 8th November accused of poisoning a buzzard. He has already pleaded guilty to a number of firearms offences and a number of pesticide storage offences. At an earlier hearing in August, the gamekeeper pleaded not guilty to poisoning the buzzard so the case was sent for trial. […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/3By92dv

A gamekeeper is due in court on Monday 8th November accused of poisoning a buzzard. He has already pleaded guilty to a number of firearms offences and a number of pesticide storage offences. At an earlier hearing in August, the gamekeeper pleaded not guilty to poisoning the buzzard so the case was sent for trial. […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/3By92dv via IFTTT

Last week the RSPB published its latest annual Birdcrime report which showed that 2020 was the ‘worst year on record’ for confirmed crimes against birds of prey in the UK (see here). For the seventh year in a row, North Yorkshire had more confirmed raptor persecution crimes than any other county in the UK. Twenty-six […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/3w8m3cr

Last week the RSPB published its latest annual Birdcrime report which showed that 2020 was the ‘worst year on record’ for confirmed crimes against birds of prey in the UK (see here). For the seventh year in a row, North Yorkshire had more confirmed raptor persecution crimes than any other county in the UK. Twenty-six […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/3w8m3cr via IFTTT

Last year the community of Langholm in the Scottish Borders successfully raised £3.8 million to buy a knackered old grouse moor from the Duke of Buccleugh and transform it into a vast new nature reserve for the benefit of wildlife and the local community (see here). Many blog readers supported and contributed to this fundraising […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/2ZHQSsd

Last year the community of Langholm in the Scottish Borders successfully raised £3.8 million to buy a knackered old grouse moor from the Duke of Buccleugh and transform it into a vast new nature reserve for the benefit of wildlife and the local community (see here). Many blog readers supported and contributed to this fundraising […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2ZHQSsd via IFTTT