Groups unite over nest destruction

Land management and conservation groups in the Peak District National Park have united in condemnation of the destruction of a goshawk nest in the Derwent Valley.

The Moorland Association, the National Trust, Natural England,the Peak District National Park Authority and the RSPB have worked together in the area since 2008, and spoke of their disgust at the sight of smashed eggs.

Ben Rimington Wilson from the Moorland Association, which counts grouse moor owners among its members, said: ?We have been working hard with all interested parties to protect and boost the population of birds of prey to sustainable breeding levels in the Peak District.

?The mindless action that has led to this loss at such a key time of year is appalling. We hope that the police investigation is swift and uses DNA and other evidence to bring the perpetrator to book as soon as possible.?

The destruction of the nest, which was located on land owned by Severn Trent Water, leaves only one active goshawk nest in the Derwent Valley, which previously held six known pairs of these birds.

The rest of this article appears in the 23rd May issue of Shooting Times.

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