Reporting raptor sightings

We’d like to support some of our partners in their efforts to record sightings of raptors in the North Pennines and beyond.

Here’s what to do:

Red Kite

The Friends of Red Kites in the North East of England are looking for spring and summer sightings of red kites, particularly outside of the lower Derwent Valley.

Hen Harrier

Call the RSPB Hen Harrier hotline with any sightings of hen harriers, all year round. Tel. 08454 600 121 or email henharriers@rspb.org.uk

Peregrine & Short-eared Owl

The Durham Upland Bird Study Group is looking for sightings of peregrines at any suitable breeding site in early spring or summer, and any suspicion of short-eared owl breeding during spring or summer in suitable habitat. Email davidrawdusbg@aol.com

Reporting raptor crime

If you have any information about crimes associated with raptors, and want to remain anonymous, call the RSPB’s confidential Raptor Crime Hotline on 0300 999 0101.

If an incident is ongoing, you should contact the police on 101, before contacting the RSPB Investigations Unit: England, on 01767 680 551.

Raptor Persecution Priority Delivery Group (RPPDG)

Three Northern Upland AONB partnerships – North Pennines, Forest of Bowland and Nidderdale – are represented on the Defra Raptor Persecution Priority Delivery Group (currently by the Director of the North Pennines AONB Partnership). More information on the RPPDG can be found on the Operation Owl website.