New interactive maps have been hailed as a valuable tool in the fight against raptor persecution. The maps detail incidents involving the shooting, poisoning and trapping of birds of prey, and the destruction of their nests in England and Wales. They were developed by the Raptor Persecution Priority Delivery Group…
Raptors
Scottish shooters condemn illegal killing of raptors
The shooting community has condemned the illegal killing of birds of prey after a new report into the disappearance of golden eagles provided strong evidence of raptor persecution over Scottish grouse moors. The Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) report followed the movements of 131 golden eagles between 2004 and 2016 and…
2015 hen harrier breeding season set to be most successful since 2010
Hen harriers remain one of the most endangered breeding birds in England. Yet despite poor weather throughout the recent breeding season, 2015 has brought six successful harrier nests, fledging 18 new chicks. Unfortunately a seventh nest failed towards the end of the season as a result of natural causes. The…
Keeper jailed for raptor persecution
Raptor Persecution George Mutch, a 48-year-old gamekeeper from Kildrummy in Aberdeenshire, has been sentenced to for four months in jail after being found guilty of killing a goshawk and setting illegal traps to catch two others. At Aberdeen Sheriff Court today Sheriff Noel McPartlin said he had to impose a…
Keeper caught on hidden camera convicted of killing birds of prey
Aberdeenshire gamekeeper George Mutch was found guilty on 11 December 2014 of illegally using a trap and recklessly killing or injuring two goshawks and a buzzard at Kildrummy Estate, near Alford in Aberdeenshire. The prosecution case hinged on controversial video evidence submitted by the RSPB, which was obtained secretly using…