Latest news with #HenHarriers
Rhyl Journal
26-06-2025
- General
- Rhyl Journal
RSPB warns hen harriers killed or missing is at new high
Hen harriers are known for their acrobatic 'skydancing' courtship display over the uplands, such as Forest of Bowland in Lancashire and the Yorkshire Dales. Categorised as red-listed in terms of conservation concern, they are considered to be at high risk of extinction. Between 2020 and 2024, there were 102 incidents of killing or missing birds recorded, according to a report from the RSPB released today (June 26). The majority of these incidents occurred on or near grouse moors in northern England, where grouse shooting takes place, it said. The charity is calling on the Government to introduce licensing of grouse shooting in England, as has happened in Scotland, to act as a meaningful deterrent to wildlife crime. The hen harrier is the most intensely persecuted of all the UK's birds of prey. It once preyed on free-range fowl, which gave it its present name. It's a slim, medium-sized bird, with males distinguished by their blue-grey colour above, with a paler underside and black tips to their wings. Females are mainly brown, with a streaked body and wings, and bars on their tails. Over the last 25 years, conservationists rolled out several initiatives to support the endangered species and the population increased between 2016 and 2023. But 2023 became the worst recorded year for persecution with 34 birds confirmed to have been killed or disappeared under suspicious circumstances, according to the RSPB. There was a 43% decline in the number of chicks fledging in 2024 when compared to 2023 figures, the report said. The illegal killing of Hen Harriers has hit a devastating new high. ⚠️ A new RSPB report reveals 102 incidents in just five years - with the majority on, or near, grouse moors. A thread… The number of breeding females recorded in 2024 also dropped from 50 in 2023 to 34 in 2024 – a 32% fall. The charity said the current UK population estimate represents a quarter of the potential population that their ideal habitat can support, and in England, it is less, at about 10%. The RSPB report contains details of hen harriers being shot, their chicks being stamped on, and one bird having its head pulled off while still alive. Despite being legally protected, multiple studies and reports have found that criminal activity is the main factor limiting the species' recovery. Recommended reading: 7 hidden butterflies and moths to spot in No Mow May garden What is the best time of day to mow your lawn? Expert shares tips Alan Titchmarsh's simple tips to get the perfect lawn – from moss to bald patches No one in England has ever been convicted of an offence, the RSPB said, adding that most crimes take place in remote areas. Dr James Robinson, the RSPB's director of operations, said: 'This species will not recover until the criminal activity stops, and for this to happen we need regulation of the grouse-shooting industry, specifically the introduction of a licensing system for shoots in England, so estates proven by the police and Natural England to be linked to raptor persecution would simply lose their licence to operate.' Andrew Gilruth, chief executive of the Moorland Association, disputed the RSPB report, saying the data has been assembled without independent checks and that the allegations 'poison perceptions of gamekeepers'.
The Herald Scotland
26-06-2025
- General
- The Herald Scotland
RSPB warns hen harriers killed or missing is at new high
Categorised as red-listed in terms of conservation concern, they are considered to be at high risk of extinction. Between 2020 and 2024, there were 102 incidents of killing or missing birds recorded, according to a report from the RSPB released today (June 26). The majority of these incidents occurred on or near grouse moors in northern England, where grouse shooting takes place, it said. The charity is calling on the Government to introduce licensing of grouse shooting in England, as has happened in Scotland, to act as a meaningful deterrent to wildlife crime. What is a hen harrier? The hen harrier is the most intensely persecuted of all the UK's birds of prey. It once preyed on free-range fowl, which gave it its present name. It's a slim, medium-sized bird, with males distinguished by their blue-grey colour above, with a paler underside and black tips to their wings. Females are mainly brown, with a streaked body and wings, and bars on their tails. How rare is a hen harrier? Over the last 25 years, conservationists rolled out several initiatives to support the endangered species and the population increased between 2016 and 2023. But 2023 became the worst recorded year for persecution with 34 birds confirmed to have been killed or disappeared under suspicious circumstances, according to the RSPB. There was a 43% decline in the number of chicks fledging in 2024 when compared to 2023 figures, the report said. The illegal killing of Hen Harriers has hit a devastating new high. ⚠️ A new RSPB report reveals 102 incidents in just five years - with the majority on, or near, grouse moors. A thread… — RSPB (@Natures_Voice) June 26, 2025 The number of breeding females recorded in 2024 also dropped from 50 in 2023 to 34 in 2024 – a 32% fall. The charity said the current UK population estimate represents a quarter of the potential population that their ideal habitat can support, and in England, it is less, at about 10%. The RSPB report contains details of hen harriers being shot, their chicks being stamped on, and one bird having its head pulled off while still alive. Despite being legally protected, multiple studies and reports have found that criminal activity is the main factor limiting the species' recovery. Recommended reading: No one in England has ever been convicted of an offence, the RSPB said, adding that most crimes take place in remote areas. Dr James Robinson, the RSPB's director of operations, said: 'This species will not recover until the criminal activity stops, and for this to happen we need regulation of the grouse-shooting industry, specifically the introduction of a licensing system for shoots in England, so estates proven by the police and Natural England to be linked to raptor persecution would simply lose their licence to operate.' Andrew Gilruth, chief executive of the Moorland Association, disputed the RSPB report, saying the data has been assembled without independent checks and that the allegations 'poison perceptions of gamekeepers'.
Belfast Telegraph
10-05-2025
- Climate
- Belfast Telegraph
Minister urges public to remain ‘extra vigilant' as blaze rages through NI special area of conservation
Firefighters remain at the scene of a large gorse fire in the Ballagh Road area of Clogher which broke out on Wednesday afternoon. Ten fire appliances and approximately 50 firefighters are in attendance at the ongoing incident which has since spread to Co Monaghan. The blaze has since extended into a special area of conservation for the endangered species of Hen Harriers which nest in the blanket bog near Slieve Beagh. Minister Muir pointed to the 'extensive' damage caused being caused and called for the public to 'heed the elevated hazard warning' which was issued by the Northern Ireland Fire Service (NIFRS) and PSNI. The North Down MLA said: 'The current fire near Clogher is another stark reminder on how quickly they can spread, creating significant risk to life and property while causing extensive environmental damage. 'The fire in Counties Tyrone and Monaghan has torn through approximately a third of a precious protected site which includes a Special Area of Conservation for the endangered Hen Harrier during nesting season as well as important blanket bog habitat. 'With the current conditions set to last into the weekend and beyond I plead with everyone to heed the elevated hazard warning issued, remain extra vigilant to fires in our countryside and report to the Police or Crimestoppers anyone you know involved in deliberate and malicious fires. 'Those who know the individuals involved must come forward and help us apprehend the culprits wreaking destruction across our countryside.' Minister Muir added: 'Once ignited, fire can spread rapidly, especially in areas with dead grasses, gorse, forestry and heather. "Large areas can become engulfed in a very short period of time putting life, property and wildlife at real risk. This activity must stop before someone is killed or injured.' NIFRS Area Commander Barry Ross also urged the public to enjoy the warm spell of weather responsibly. He said: 'With the dry weather set to continue over the next few days we are asking the public to support their Firefighters by staying safe from fire in the countryside. "Dealing with wildfires is not only challenging and physically demanding for our Firefighters, it is extremely resource intensive for our Service and partner agencies. If you are enjoying the weather this weekend, please do so responsibly and follow our safety advice.' PSNI Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson added: 'Gorse fires have the potential to cause widespread damage to the environment and harm to wildlife, as well as threatening homes, farms and the people living in those areas. 'The unpredictability of fire can also mean that those causing them may be putting their own lives at risk as well as the lives of the fire service personnel and other emergency services tasked to deal with them. 'I would remind the public that deliberate setting of wildfires is a criminal offence and if you see anyone setting a fire you should contact us immediately. 'Anyone caught deliberately setting a wildfire will be prosecuted to the full extend that the law allows.'
Belfast Telegraph
09-05-2025
- Climate
- Belfast Telegraph
Minister urges public to remain ‘extra vigilant' as Co Tyrone blaze rages through special area of conservation
Firefighters remain at the scene of a large gorse fire in the Ballagh Road area of Clogher which broke out on Wednesday afternoon. Ten fire appliances and approximately 50 firefighters are in attendance at the ongoing incident which has since spread to Co Monaghan. The blaze has since extended into a special area of conservation for the endangered species of Hen Harriers which nest in the blanket bog near Slieve Beagh. Minister Muir pointed to the 'extensive' damage caused being caused and called for the public to 'heed the elevated hazard warning' which was issued by the Northern Ireland Fire Service (NIFRS) and PSNI. The North Down MLA said: 'The current fire near Clogher is another stark reminder on how quickly they can spread, creating significant risk to life and property while causing extensive environmental damage. 'The fire in Counties Tyrone and Monaghan has torn through approximately a third of a precious protected site which includes a Special Area of Conservation for the endangered Hen Harrier during nesting season as well as important blanket bog habitat. 'With the current conditions set to last into the weekend and beyond I plead with everyone to heed the elevated hazard warning issued, remain extra vigilant to fires in our countryside and report to the Police or Crimestoppers anyone you know involved in deliberate and malicious fires. 'Those who know the individuals involved must come forward and help us apprehend the culprits wreaking destruction across our countryside.' Minister Muir added: 'Once ignited, fire can spread rapidly, especially in areas with dead grasses, gorse, forestry and heather. "Large areas can become engulfed in a very short period of time putting life, property and wildlife at real risk. This activity must stop before someone is killed or injured.' NIFRS Area Commander Barry Ross also urged the public to enjoy the warm spell of weather responsibly. He said: 'With the dry weather set to continue over the next few days we are asking the public to support their Firefighters by staying safe from fire in the countryside. "Dealing with wildfires is not only challenging and physically demanding for our Firefighters, it is extremely resource intensive for our Service and partner agencies. If you are enjoying the weather this weekend, please do so responsibly and follow our safety advice.' PSNI Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson added: 'Gorse fires have the potential to cause widespread damage to the environment and harm to wildlife, as well as threatening homes, farms and the people living in those areas. 'The unpredictability of fire can also mean that those causing them may be putting their own lives at risk as well as the lives of the fire service personnel and other emergency services tasked to deal with them. 'I would remind the public that deliberate setting of wildfires is a criminal offence and if you see anyone setting a fire you should contact us immediately. 'Anyone caught deliberately setting a wildfire will be prosecuted to the full extend that the law allows.'
Yahoo
08-02-2025
- General
- Yahoo
‘Extremely rare' bird of prey seen soaring near New Forest
An extremely rare bird of prey has been spotted soaring near the New Forest. Keen photographer and Daily Echo Camera Club member John Scamell captured a Hen Harrier flying over Lymington. One of the most endangered breeding birds of prey in the UK, only a handful are found in England. According to the Wildlife Trusts, Hen Harriers are often sighted in Scotland and parts of upland Wales, Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man. Hen Harrier over Lymington (Image: John Scamell)READ MORE: UK's fastest bird seen taking flight at Hampshire nature reserve Only a tiny handful of pairs now nest in parts of upland England. Its namesake comes from the birds preying on free-range fowl but more recently, its effect on the number of grouse available to shoot has led to a threat to its survival in some parts of the UK. The RSPB said the Hen Harrier is most at risk on the driven grouse moors of England and Scotland. They have an average lifespan of seven years and a wingspan measuring 1.1m.
