Natural England confirms raptor persecution incidents

Update on the deaths of three tagged hen harriers – Natural England

Yesterday Natural England released information confirming the death of three satellite-tagged hen harriers. Two of these birds were found in the North Pennines National Landscape close to a winter roost site. We’ve shared the information from Natural England here.

Chris Woodley-Stewart, Director of the North Pennines National Landscape, said: “It has taken some time to come to light and given that the bodies were on the ground for months before being found, the precise cause of death is uncertain. However, the two birds were found with lead shot in them, near to a North Pennines roost site.

“Whatever the conclusion about the explicit cause of death, the shotgun pellets tell an unequivocal story of illegality. Someone shot these birds with the intent of ending their lives; why else do it? This, regardless of the ultimate cause of death, is evidence of ongoing illegal raptor persecution in the North Pennines.
“This has to stop. We will continue to work with others to raise awareness and support practical action where we can. We’re asking, as always, for anyone with information about any incidents of raptor persecution, to come forward using the confidential hotline.”

The RSPB Raptor Crime Hotline number is 0300 999 0101, for sensitive information specifically relating to the illegal targeting of birds of prey.