Raptor Persecution UK

Earlier this summer I submitted a Freedom of Information request to Natural England, asking for information on the causes of death, including post mortem reports, of all Hen Harrier nestlings (i.e. pre-fledging) in nests monitored by Natural England betwe…

Natural England has finally published data for the 2026 Hen Harrier breeding season, showing yet again that Hen Harriers are not tolerated on most English grouse moors.

As I hope you’re all aware, last month Defra launched a Call for Evidence on all aspects of gamebird rearing, releasing and shooting in England, with a view to using this evidence to inform potential policy changes, which may include the introduction of a…

The long-running prosecution of Lincolnshire farmer William Brian Chorlton, now 88-years-old, continued at Lincoln Magistrates’ Court last week.

This is a guest blog by Mike Whitehouse.

I hope by now that blog readers are aware of Defra’s Call for Evidence on gamebird rearing, releasing and shooting.

A new court date has been set for Raeshaw Estate’s judicial review of its latest General Licence restriction.

Derbyshire Constabulary has issued an appeal for information (27 September 2026) following the discovery of a shot Red Kite in the Peak District National Park on or before 7th July 2026.

Further to reports of this year’s Hen Harrier breeding success on RSPB-managed moorland in Bowland, Lancashire (here) and on Geltsdale, Cumbria (here), there’s now confirmation of further success on RSPB reserves in Wales.

Following North Yorkshire Police’s appeal for information about the recent discovery of a Marsh Harrier with gunshot injuries found in the Westerdale area of the North York Moors National Park, the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust (YWT) has responded with an unus…

Press release from North Yorkshire Police (21 September 2026): Marsh Harrier found shot in North York Moors On 28 August 2026 a juvenile Marsh Harrier was found in the Westerdale area suffering from injuries that left it unable to fly.

Earlier this month, researcher, writer and campaigner Guy Shrubsole blogged about his latest examination of reported Pheasants numbers in England.

Press release from RSPB, 18 September 2026: CAUTIOUS OPTIMISM AS RECORD YEAR FOR HEN HARRIER CHICKS AT RSPB GELTSDALE Thirteen Hen Harrier chicks have successfully fledged at RSPB Geltsdale in Cumbria.

Appeal for information issued by Police Scotland, 15 September 2026: APPEAL AFTER RED KITE CAUGHT IN ILLEGAL TRAP – STRATHDON, ABERDEENSHIRE Officers are appealing for information after a bird of prey was caught in an illegally set ‘Duke’ coil spring trap…

Press release from Wildlife Poisoning Research UK (WPRUK), 7 September 2026: THE KILLING MUST STOP!

Last month the RSPB announced the successful fledging of six red-listed Montagu’s Harrier chicks from two nests at a secret location in England (see here).

Last month, NatureScot imposed a three-year General Licence restriction on part of Invermark Estate in the Angus Glens, in relation to the discovery of a shot Peregrine that was found on 3 September 2024.

Former Tayside Police Wildlife Crime Officer Alan Stewart’s book, co-authored by Lindsey Hamilton, has now been published.

Further to yesterday’s blog, Defra’s Call for Evidence on all aspects of gamebird rearing, releasing and shooting is now open, and will close at 23.59hrs on 1st November 2026.

Good news!

The UK Government is poised to open a public consultation on the welfare implications of the mass breeding of gamebirds, according to an article published by The Guardian this afternoon (see here).

Today is the official opening day of the Red-legged Partridge (RLP) shooting season in England, Scotland and Wales.

Press release from Police Scotland (31 August 2026) APPEAL AFTER BIRD OF PREY POISONED IN ABERDEENSHIRE Officers are appealing for information after a bird of prey was poisoned in Aberdeenshire.

NatureScot is currently running one of its periodic public consultations reviewing the use of General Licences for wildlife management.